Belatedly, the competition came to life in the semi-finals, with drama and intrigue in both games.

India were on their way out when Herchelle Gibbs (117) and Jacques Kallis (97) were going strong in the Proteas' pursuit of 262 but once Gibbs retired with cramps and Kallis was out the innings fell away.

Muttiah Muralitharan helped Sri Lanka crushed Australia and a classic final was on the cards.

However, an event which began under a cloud ended with the heavens opening - despite two attempts to finish the final, the trophy had to be shared and more questions were asked about the tournament's future.