1 April 2011Last updated at 12:13

In pictures: World Cup cricket fever grips South Asia

Indian security officers patrol Wankhede stadium, ahead of Saturday's cricket World Cup final match between India and Sri Lanka in Mumbai, India - Thursday, March 31, 2011

Security is tight in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) ahead of Saturday's cricket World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka. Thousands of police officers have been deployed to guard and patrol the grounds of the Wankhede stadium.

A Hindu priest blesses the Sri Lanka cricket team in front of their picture, at a Tamil Kovil, ahead of their ICC Cricket World Cup final match against India on Saturday, in Colombo April 1, 2011

In Sri Lanka the national team's steady progress towards the final has gripped the country. Representatives of various religions have said their prayers for a good result. Here a Hindu priest blesses an image of the Sri Lankan cricket team ahead of Saturday's match.

And cricket is dominating virtually all aspects of Indian media and daily life. Giant images of India's national cricket team adorn advertising banners across the city and tower over visitors to the stadium in Mumbai.

Supporters and onlookers line the road to wave and cheer at a bus transporting India's cricket team, after their arrival from Mohali at the airport in Mumbai, India, Thursday, March 31, 2011

After India's semi-final victory over Pakistan, fans spilled out onto the streets in celebration. On Thursday, supporters lined the road as India's revered cricket team arrived in Mumbai ahead of the final.

Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan reacts after saying farewell to his family as he prepares to board a bus at the Cinnamon Grand hotel in Colombo, March 30, 2011,

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's cricketers left their families and a nervous nation to begin their preparations.

Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (centre) gestures as Lasith Malinga (left) and Ajantha Mendis laugh during a practice session in Mumbai, India, Thursday, March 31, 2011

This will be the final World Cup for Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka's record-breaking spinner, who has said he will be retiring. All eyes will be on the battle between the world's leading wicket-taker and Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar of India enters the field during the India nets session at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1, 2011 in Mumbai, India.

Tendulkar is chasing his 100th international century and Indian fans will be hoping he provides a flurry of runs on Saturday.

South Asia

In pictures: World Cup cricket fever grips South Asia

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