We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for the Match
Both teams may have scored over 300 runs, but batting seemed a bit challenging in the middle overs. Keeping wickets in hand will be crucial to lead up to a competitive total at the Port of Spain. 8 of 13 wickets belonged to the pacers.
Probable XIs for West Indies & India
Probable XI for West Indies: Shai Hope (wk), Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie
Probable XI for India: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna
Power Players for the Match
Shubman Gill was as convincing in his shot selection and flamboyant in his stroke play as ever, although he received a few freebees to feast on from the undisciplined West Indian pacers. His 64 runs came of a mere 53 balls.
It was Shikhar Dhawan’s fifth fifty in the Caribbean – all of which have come at Port of Spain. He looked in great control even when the pitch got a bit slower in the middle overs.
West Indies Dance to Iyer’s Tune
In 7 innings against West Indies, Shreyas Iyer has only one single-digit score. The remaining 6 knocks include a score of over 50 runs. He likes to feast on the Caribbean bowlers.
West Indies Bat As A Unit
India’s middle order failed to capitalise on the strong foundation that the top three had laid. West Indies, on the other hand, put up a collective batting performance amidst a tough chase. Here’s how:
Brandon King (54 off 66) batted sensibly and built two fifty-run stands that kept pushing India on the back foot. He first added 51 runs with Nicholas Pooran who played a brisk knock of 25 runs and then put forth 56 runs with Akeal Hossain whose run-a-ball 32 kept West Indies in the hunt.
Before these collective efforts was a grand stand of 117 runs between Kyle Mayers (75) and Shamarh Brooks (46). The West Indies never looked out of sorts – despite the series loss against Bangladesh last week – and batted with smart tactics.
Smart Picks for the Match
Yuzvendra Chahal’s last three bowling figures read 4 for 47, 3 for 60, and 2 for 58. He has not been doing much wrong since the Indian T20 League. For that matter, he is never afraid to toss the ball even if he leaks runs and also has the capability to bowl at the death.
Romaria Shepherd’s all-round skills not only help the West Indies but also the fantasy players. He took the solitary wicket of Sanju Samson and blasted 39 off 25* to give India a scare.
Shardul Thakur has a reputation for giving away runs, but it is this approach that also makes him a strike bowler. It was his two-for that brought India back in the game, dismissing the on-song batters Mayers and Brooks. Not to forget his batting skills: he averages 35 in the format.
Form Concerns
Since his 127 against Pakistan last month, Shai Hope has collected a mere 52 runs in six ODIs. Batting for a longer period may perhaps help him regain his confidence.
Match Preview
West Indies’ overall record against India and their recent form in the format do not make them a favourite even against a relatively second-string India. In addition to this misery, their bowling lacked teeth on Thursday. Had it not been for their batting performance, they would have been in further trouble. They have no option but to get their act together. India, on the other hand, will have to be careful at not letting the West Indies build partnerships and find ways to pick wickets at regular intervals.
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Time: July 24, 7 PM IST
