Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: AP |
Lucknow is in luck, hosting an international match for the first time since 1994, where familiar foes India and Sri Lanka locked horns in a Test Match.
The cricket world has changed significantly since then, turned on its head by the beast that is T20 cricket. In regards to this game, what needs changing is the output from the top order of both sides.
In the end, India did what they had to do in Kolkata to take a 1-0 series lead. Can they put together a more comprehensive performance, or will West Indies level the series like they did in the ODIs?
In what is an irregular occurrence these days, India’s top order crumbled to give the Windies an unexpected opening after crawling to 109. What will encourage all associated with Indian cricket is the ability to win games when not quite at their best, but the middle order conundrum, despite Karthik and K Pandya’s efforts, still leaves a little to be desired. Of course, a series win is the ultimate goal, but can India get more out of certain players along the way?
In a way, West Indies left Kolkata wondering what might have been. Like the final two ODIs, their batting struggled, leaving little doubt that the batsmen would rather get together to read the whole Harry Potter series instead of trying to read Kuldeep Yadav. Tactically, the Windies were a little off in Kolkata, sending the out of touch Denesh Ramdin to open, when powerplay runs are vital to the cause. Can the Windies get things right in Lucknow?
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Key to an India win
It’s incredible to even think that India’s bowlers could provide a more reliable avenue to victory than India’s batting line up. Years ago, that thought was never even in the picture. But, despite the batting lineup hosting magnificent talent, consistency at the T20I level hasn’t quite been fulfilled by some.
Manish Pandey is one such example, strolling out to the crease each game with talent simply dripping from his body, but has room to deliver a little more often. Another player under the spotlight is KL Rahul, who, despite a fine T20I record, needs to show selectors that he can well and truly be a shoe in for India’s limited overs plans. The same applies for Rishabh Pant, who has been superb in T20s this year, but is coming off a few low scores. Can at least two of these three fire, along with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma to push the Windies right back?
On the bowling front, India continue to impress. Khaleel Ahmed continues to showcase his skills, especially under lights, well supported by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar expected to return after illness, the Windies can expect to be in for another difficult challenge.
Key to a West Indies win
Oshane Thomas has knocked Shikhar Dhawan’s stumps over three times in three innings this tour, and his onslaught at the start of India’s run chase in Kolkata had the Windies dreaming. Can he cause damage again at the top?
As a bowling unit, dismissing the opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cheaply again is easier said than done, but at least getting into India’s middle order as early is possible is of huge importance. As mentioned, there are three Indian players with a bit of the spotlight on them – can the Windies execute their skills well, build pressure through dots and take regular wickets?
Also,
as mentioned before the first T20I, the ability of the Windies players to rotate the strike effectively is key to their chances. Sure, batting conditions were challenging at Kolkata, but there were too many dots, especially in the middle overs against Kuldeep and Krunal, which caused the pressure to rise significantly. The Windies would be confident of another good effort with the ball, but can the likes of Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Kieron Pollard lead a better batting effort?
Possible XIs
For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will likely come in for Umesh Yadav.
India possible XI: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul, 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Rishabh Pant, 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Jasprit Bumrah
It might be wiser for the Windies to send out Darren Bravo to open. But, West Indies could bring in Nicholas Pooran, who can open, to replace Denesh Ramdin.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Shai Hope, 2. Nicholas Pooran/Denesh Ramdin (wk), 3. Shimron Hetmyer, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Carlos Brathwaite (c), 7. Rovman Powell, 8. Keemo Paul, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Khary Pierre, 11. Oshane Thomas
Dream11
The last game was disappointing personally, given the batting struggles. Here is my Dream11 side for this game, with a few pointers below.
- Denesh Ramdin is a chance of not playing, so Dinesh Karthik should be the keeper choice.
- What the pitch will offer is a slight unknown, but Rohit Sharma skippers my side again, and I will back KL Rahul to go big this game.
- Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer are key for the Windies, and are good options.
- Krunal Pandya and Carlos Brathwaite scored well in the last game, and both offer good value.
- Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed and Oshane Thomas all offer wicket-taking potential.
Stats and Facts
- This will be Lucknow’s first ever T20I.
- India’s win the first T20I broke a three-match losing streak against West Indies.
Prediction
There are things for the Windies to be positive about, but India have that extra bit of class to make a difference.
India to win and take the series 2-0.
Thanks for reading!
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