Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: Reuters |
Did you expect this series to be at all competitive?
A tied game in a series between an ODI powerhouse and struggler seemed less likely than snow falling in the UAE to put Australia out of their misery against Pakistan. But, the tourists have had great moments in each of the first two ODIs, and will be looking to turn those good moments into upset wins.
However, with a strong India squad for the remaining three ODIs, do West Indies have what it takes?
That India now have arguably the best ODI bowling pair in the world in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah on board, fans will be feeling a little less restless this Saturday. The bowling has been below par this series, with West Indies scoring 643 runs in the two matches, consistently sending India’s bowlers to the boundary. With India’s batting, led by the magnificent Virat Kohli, firing pretty nicely, can they put in a complete performance worthy of their status in ODI cricket?
If West Indies are found to lack any belief today, it will be a very disappointing sight. A tie away to India is a fine effort, but can the Windies cross the finish line this time? Is it better to come close and not cross the finish line than to not come close at all? The former should hold true here, with West Indies needing to transfer their good form to Pune, on the back of backing themselves and taking the game to India.
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Key to an India win
Virat Kohli hit 157 out of India’s 321 in Vizag, going past 10,000 ODI runs, and highlighting just how important he is to this side. The early loss of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma could have worried Kohli and India fans, but the recovery work of the skipper and Ambati Rayudu was pleasing.
But, Virat Kohli’s brilliance was good enough to overshadow India’s number five, six and seven’s combined 50 runs off 52 balls. As always, the top order remains key for the men in blue, but can the middle order step up in terms of either rebuilding the innings if required, or keeping the momentum going right away? The spotlight will again be on MS Dhoni, and to a different extent Rishabh Pant, in terms of their capabilities right now.
Also, the addition of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah can turn the tide India’s favour. India’s seamers in the previous two games were well below the mark, bowling with such inconsistency that Royal Challengers Bangalore fans know all about. With India’s near full strength bowling attack back on deck, can they restrict a Windies side that has fired with the bat so far?
Key to a West Indies win
The two early wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma brought West Indies right into the game in Vizag. Taking the pace off the ball early worked beautifully for Jason Holder’s men, but, while early wickets are critical, the Windies need to find ways to break the back of India’s batting in the middle overs.
In the two matches so far, West Indies have taken just two wickets in overs 11-40, which has paved the way for India to score 300+ totals. Ultimately, to solve this, the Windies need to keep the pressure on India’s top three in the first ten overs, taking any chance that comes their way. Jason Holder’s dropped catch off Kohli in Vizag is the sort of chance that has to be taken. It is a big ask with the quality India possess up top, but can West Indies surprise us again?
Also, how good was it to see Shai Hope firing? A player with plenty of talent, Hope hasn’t quite reached the heights of his magnificent Test series in England last year, so his efforts in Vizag would have pleased all associated with Windies Cricket. Shemron Hetmyer is also firing, scoring 200 runs in this series to date, which renders these two players vital to the Windies batting cause. Can the likes of Kieran Powell and the maligned Marlon Samuels also come to the party?
Possible XIs
Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are likely to slot back in, meaning Umesh Yadav will likely miss out. India wristspinners will be on close watch, with the likes of Marlon Samuels struggling to read the ball out of the hand.
India possible XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. Rishabh Pant, 6. MS Dhoni (wk), 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Yuzvendra Chahal, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Jasprit Bumrah
West Indies should stick with largely the same line up, with Obed McCoy likely to get another chance after showing promising signs in Vizag.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Chandrapaul Hemraj, 2. Kieran Powell, 3. Shai Hope (wk), 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Marlon Samuels, 6. Rovman Powell, 7. Jason Holder (c), 8. Ashley Nurse, 9. Obed McCoy, 10. Devendra Bishoo, 11. Kemar Roach
Dream11
With plenty of good ODI batsmen to choose from, picking the right Dream11 side is a tough ask! Below is my team with a few pointers.
- Shai Hope gets in over MS Dhoni.
- I have made a huge call in leaving Rohit Sharma out. A fine player, no doubt, Rohit has the tendency to get one or two low scores after a big one.
- Shikhar Dhawan will be third time lucky today and get a big score, and Rishabh Pant remains a strong finisher option for India.
- Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar all make my side.
Stats and Facts
- Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma need just 14 runs to go past Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag as India’s second-most successful opening pair in ODIs.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar needs four wickets to reach 100 in ODIs.
- West Indies had a middle overs run rate of 4.77 between April 2015 and beginning of this series. In this series, this has jumped to 6.37.
Prediction
Hoping for another competitive match between an established ODI side and one that is on the improve.
With Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar back for India, I will back the men in blue to win and take a 2-0 series lead.
Thanks for reading!
P.S., I have partnered with the absolutely amazing team at
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most comprehensive Online Cricket Store you’ll see. Through me, you can enjoy discounts on 700+ products
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