Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Image credit: AFP |
What an interesting tour it’s been to date.
West Indies thrashed Bangladesh in the Tests, but then the Tigers roared back in the ODIs to go some way to salvaging what was a nightmare tour.
So, will it be West Indies to bounce back in the T20Is? They have rested Chris Gayle, but their prowess in T20 cricket still shines. They start this series favourites against a side that is yet to get a proper grasp of this format, contrary to the Windies, who are the current World T20 Champions. Can they make a better start to this series than they did the ODIs?
Yes, Bangladesh still haven’t grasped this format as their talent suggests they should. Their last assignment was a disappointing, yet not overly surprising 3-0 defeat against Afghanistan, where the third match was their 18th defeat in their last 21 T20Is. So, what will change for Bangladesh this time? Have they learnt from previous mistakes? It remains to be seen.
Key to a West Indies win
The Windies’ possible top six on paper alone is enough to make Bangladesh worry. Evin Lewis is nearing his 100th T20 match, striking at 146. Andre Fletcher, whilst his T20I career strike rate is only 108, can provide an important foil in what will be a hard hitting batting line up that also comprises of Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell and Rovman Powell, who recently hit 74 off 41 balls in the 3rd ODI. Don’t forget Carlos Brathwaite, too.
Can they put Bangladesh under so much pressure that the Tigers are left clueless? That’s the key. If their batting fires, any total Bangladesh put up is unlikely to be enough.
Key to a Bangladesh win
Possible teams
Stats and Facts
- The last T20I between these two sides was washed out in 2014, also in St. Kitts. Weather is expected to be clear for this one.
- Head-to-Head (excluding no result): West Indies 3, Bangladesh 2
- Bangladesh have lost 18 of their last 21 T20Is, and have won a three-match series once, against Ireland in 2012.
Prediction
In the meantime, be sure to check out my six big predictions for the England v India Test series!
Thanks for reading!