David Leggat: Forget the cricket, just enjoy the show

The latest international cricket spectacular began with a flourish in the form of Simon Doull's shirt.

The former test seamer, doing toss announcer duties for New Zealand's world T20 championship opener against Sri Lanka in Guyana, wore a shirt that roared and while most likely an expensive buy, looked from this distance as though he'd let the local kids loose at it armed with felt pens.

As a fashion item it was matched over the weekend only by the Warriors shirt for their defeat by Canberra Raiders later on Saturday. The motif may have some significance; whatever it was, let's say the television screen did not do it justice.

Back to the cricket. There was a strange note to start with, teams being led out solemnly, hand in hand with local children, which seems the norm worldwide these days. And a good thing too.

The accompanying music was heavy, portentous, emotive stuff when it would have seemed logical, given the colourful setting and the overriding aim of T20, to have the players sprint out with lashings of reggae blasting out.

Steel drum bands played the national anthems and particularly at the two games in St Lucia, the cricket seemed incidental to the crowd's having a good time.

The dancing feet were in fine working order, the headgear was colourful but there was a curious banner from the game's governing body on the ground:

"Great sport, great spirit.

"Think wise, get the facts, protect yourself."

The last bit was presumably either to remind batsmen not to forget to defend their vitals before heading out to bat, or to nip into the chemist for certain supplies before hitting the nightspots.

Anyway, the first four games produced a couple of decent contests, and one worth watching from a romantic perspective.

New Zealand got off to the ideal start, courtesy of Nathan McCullum's six over long off to sneak past Sri Lanka with a solitary ball to spare.

The pitch was a dog and there wasn't much between the teams. On other days, Sri Lanka would have hung on; but this was New Zealand's day, and the win sets them up nicely for Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

Pakistan got their defence off to an encouraging start, seeing off Bangladesh by 21 runs. Bangladesh bowled poorly and yet got close, despite only two batsmen making notable contributions. That's T20 for you.

The romance came from Afghanistan. They gained official ICC recognition nine years ago; three years ago they were playing Germany, Norway and Vanuatu in division five of the world cricket league.

They overcame a jittery start against India, reached 115, gave it plenty and could be well satisfied. Yesterday they were a proud group.

"When we were here practising and we heard our national anthem. We were very happy," captain Nowroz Mangal said.

They face South Africa next Thursday. Wish them well.

Awards time. This column's three early heroes of the tournament.

* Ireland's 17-year-old spinner George Dockrell, who took three for 16 from his four overs against the West Indies, all genuine batsmen too.

* Noor Ali, Afghanistan's spirited opener, who hit 50 from 48 balls against the might of India.

* And Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara. Why?

Asked immediately after the defeat to New Zealand, "when do you think you lost it Kumar?" the articulate lefthander replied, deadpan with a slight smile: "Probably in the last over." Which immediately revealed him to be a man of considerable dry wit.

Speaking of wits (and pardon the lame segue) as the English Premier League heads for its denouement, the mind goes back many years to another life, working in a London bar.

Two of the habitues were hardcore Fulham fans, and these likely lads happily regaled listeners with the ups and mainly downs of the cheerful west London club.

This was not long after the brief but memorable period when George Best and another renowned entertainer, Rodney Marsh, were turning tricks at Craven Cottage. Marsh they dismissed as a one-trick pony, an oft-replayed spectacular goal, but Best was revered.

They knew the Irish genius spent much of his week on the sauce, but he always turned it on at the weekend. They are memories those blokes will take to their graves, along with those that will follow if Fulham win the Europa Cup final.

This second-tier European joust may be small beer for the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United, but it's a very big deal for little Fulham, who take on Atletico Madrid in Hamburg on May 13.

* And finally, bad news for Thames Valley ducks. Club rugby was postponed in the province on Saturday to mark the opening of the duck shooting season. Call it prioritising.

ONE TO WATCH

New Zealand against Zimbabwe early on Wednesday at Guyana. An emphatic win will set them up nicely for the world T20 Super Eights.

WEEKEND WINNER

Soccer in Papua New Guinea. Forget Hekari United's 2-1 loss to Waitakere United yesterday; the 4-2 aggregate win in the O League final puts them into the Club World Cup.