With the three-match T20I series leveled at 1-1, India and West Indies will be locking horns with each other in the third and final T20I at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams have been brilliant with the bat with as many as 44 sixes being hit in the previous two games. Although India entered the series as the clear favorites, West Indies have more than justified why they defending World T20 Champions.
They will have fond memories of their previous T20I match against the Indians at this venue as they beat the hosts in the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2016. However, both the teams have witnessed tremendous changes in their sides now with the main objective being to identify the best possible combination for next year’s marquee tournament.
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Another run-fest can be expected the Wankhede is known for its batsmen friendly wickets. As seen in this year’s IPL, the pitch here provides some bounce to the fast bowlers although it plays into the hands of the batsmen. Spinners might not play a prominent role with batting second being the preferred option for both sides upon winning the toss. With a series win on the line, here are some of the predictions of the game:
India:
The pace and bounce in the wicket could tempt India to rope in Mohammed Shami for a spinner. West Indies’ top five that has four left-handers could work in Washington Sundar’s favor to retain him versus playing Kuldeep Yadav, which would mean replacing Jadeja with Shami, if at all. The consideration would come, however, given that Sundar has only returned three wickets in the last 5 T20Is, and conceded 144 runs in 23 overs.
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Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja/Mohammed Shami, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal
West Indies:
The West Indians come into this game after a win in the second T20I. While Lewis and Simmons open the batting for them, the trio of King, Pooran and Hetmyer float around according to the situation. In Kieron Pollard, they have an able leader who can double up as the sixth bowling option as well. Although Pierre has picked three wickets in the series so far, he could make way for Keemo Paul, whose big-hitting ability is a viable asset on this surface.
Predicted XI: Evin Lewis, Evin Lewis Simmons, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Kharry Pierre/ Keemo Paul, Sheldon Cottrell, Kesrick Williams, and Hayden Walsh.
Fantasy XI
Nicholas Pooran (vc), Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Kieron Pollard, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Sheldon Cottrell.
