However after the loss to New Zealand in the first game of the second stage, Dhoni could be forgiven for appearing glum. But the next game against England changed all that as Yuvraj Singh took on Start Broad and blasted six sixes in one astonishing over. One feels India have never looked back after that.

Backed by their fearless leader, they overcame South Africa in a low-scoring match and then sent Australia home in the semi-finals. Now at the summit clash, India take on fierce rivals Pakistan, who have had a relatively smooth path to the finals.

The teams clash at the Bull Ring in Johannesburg tonight and supporters on either side are in a frenzy.

One similarity between the two teams is that they are led by young and exciting captains. None of the so-called seniors are present in either side. If Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid are missing on the Indian team, Pakistan is here without Mohammed Yousef, Shoaib Akthar and Inzamam ul-Haq, who has called it quits from this format of the game.

Dhoni has done an admirable job so far. The Jharkhand man has had the right words at media briefings so far. He was candid enough to admit that the pressure of an India-Pakistan clash will be immense. However he said the team believed in themselves.

"I don't believe in taking pressure and none of my team does either," said Dhoni. "Taking the pressure on board will not help you perform. It will bring down your confidence."

His counterpart was equally candid. "It's a new game and I hope lots of runs will be scored so that everyone can enjoy a big final between Pakistan and India," Malik said.

Both skippers will also be hoping their batsmen come good, while secretly praying for the well-being of their bowlers! For India Rudra Pratap Singh, Irfan Pathan, S Sreesanth and Joginder Sharma have all hit some sort of form and have been backed by Harbhajan Singh.

Umar Gul and Mohammed Asif have been outstanding for Pakistan. Misbah ul-Haq and Malik himself have been in fine form with the bat. On Paper both teams appear to be well-balanced and it is difficult to predict a winner.

Nevertheless supporters can expect fireworks at the Bull Ring tonight as the two sub-continental gladiators clash for Twenty20 glory.

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