Aishwarya at Royal Ascot

Cardiff: Cricket-wise, it has been an Indian summer in England & Wales, but the Mahendra Singh Dhonis were on Wednesday beaten by the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to the front page of a premier daily.

An India cricketer will, perhaps, do an Aishwarya in the business end of the Champions Trophy. Weather permitting (heavy showers are forecast), opportunity No.1 comes on Thursday, in the second semi-final.

Should there be a washout, India, by virtue of having topped their group (B), would advance to Sunday’s final against group A champions England, who crushed South Africa.

Most teams are looking ahead, to the 2015 World Cup, but Sri Lanka can’t be blamed if at least some in their dressing room are rewinding to the 2011 World Cup final.

Captain Angelo Mathews insisted that there’s no place for “revenge” in sport, but the Mahela Jayawardenes and the Kumar Sangakkaras could be having a different take.

Mathews didn’t play that final, in Mumbai, but Mahela and Sangakkara did. Twenty-six months on, Sri Lanka have the chance to avenge that defeat somewhat.

Provided the weather doesn’t act as spoiler.

Both captains were politically correct on match-eve, neither Dhoni nor Mathews forgetting to treat the opposition with respect.

Yet, it’s a fact that India have won seven of their last 10 ODIs against Sri Lanka. Besides, they take to the semi-final with an all-win record.

Sri Lanka began with a loss to New Zealand, but won their next two matches — against hosts England and the reigning champions (Australia).

Any final provides the biggest stage, but a semi-final isn’t far off. It’s a huge occasion and holding nerve will be as important as the execution of skill.

Given that India and Sri Lanka play each other so often, neither captain is likely to have a surprise up his sleeve.

That’s not to suggest there aren’t players capable of taking it upon themselves to unleash a special performance.

Sri Lanka would be fancying themselves. For, as Jayawardene told The Telegraph, they “usually wobble in the finals.”

But India have been ruthless in much of the Champions Trophy and, going by form, it’s difficult to look beyond them.

With both having a powerful batting line-up, the way their bowlers respond to the challenge probably holds the key.

Lasith Malinga has quite a reputation, but his record against India is hardly enviable. Aware of that, even he trained on match-eve, trying to perfect the yorker.

A semi-final is serious business, after all.

Dhoni, who explained that he keeps it “simple,” made the point that his team’s priority was to play “good cricket.” He was pleased that his players responded superbly.

The first semi-final was still on when Dhoni spoke to the media. He declined to look ahead, to the final. “I’m worried about tomorrow (Thursday),” he quipped.

Pleased, too, was Mathews. Particularly with the way his players rallied back after losing to New Zealand.

“We’re a fighting team and, on our day, capable of beating anybody... We have a goal in this Champions Trophy... If somebody isn’t able to contribute with the bat or ball, he contributes with his thoughts...

“Today, we’re in very good space mentally and physically... It’s now about doing our thing right,” Mathews said.

Till late, there was no indication that either India or Sri Lanka planned to effect a change in the XI.

Incidentally, the Cardiff Wales Stadium (better known as the Sophia Gardens) can’t accommodate more than 16,000 spectators. Whatever, a sell-out crowd is expected.

Match starts: 3 pm (IST).