It's party time in Barbados

Never mind the miserable showing of hosts West Indies, Barbados is determined to party for the next two and half weeks right up to the World Cup final here on April 28.

From Oistin to Cruise Ship port, it is party time both sides of the road with fans from England, South Africa and, even, India taking the lead.

But if the West Indies cannot gain from this tournament in cricketing terms, it still reckons it can do so commercially. Within an hour of the match finishing, a waterfront bar called the Boatyard had put up a sign outside saying: ''Congrats England. Special Happy Hour: 3pm-9pm.'' For all the logistical problems, this tournament has thrown up some varied and interesting cricket. Bangladesh's vivacious performances have been a revelation and an interesting tussle between England and South Africa is developing for the fourth semi-final spot.

The best thing for the tournament would be an implausible England victory over South Africa, which would set up a grand finale in the final Super Eight game on Saturday week in which a West Indies side, containing Brian Lara for the last time in a one-dayer, would need to win to prevent England reaching the semi-finals.

West Indies won't be too sorry if England do progress because this has long been the most Anglicized island in the Caribbean. Ties are close and if West Indies aren't going to win, many would not begrudge England doing so. They are playing so badly, they'll probably go and do it.

A really big crowd might turn out for West Indies v England, as it surely will for the final itself. It is traditional for people in Barbados to wash the exteriors of their houses in vivid colours, and the island could yet see to it that the tournament paints the town red in its final phase.

UNI MT DH ND1758

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