IND vs WI: 3rd ODI Preview – Fireworks expected in series-decider at Cuttack
West Indies registered an emphatic eight-wicket win over India in the first ODI at Chennai. The hosts bounced back with an equally-resounding 107 runs victory in the following encounter. Both the teams now arrive at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack to resolve the 1-1 deadlock of the three-match series. After a crushing win in the second ODI, the momentum lies with India. However, Kieron Pollard’s West Indian side cannot be taken lightly.
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Match Info:
Talking Points:
Time to reunite KulCha?
They were the spin twins for India at one stage but now they stand separated. Together Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav bamboozled batsmen and clinched matches for India in the middle overs. However, the captain soon lost his trust in them and returned to finger spinners. India opted for Kuldeep Yadav in the second ODI and the left-arm spinner showed his calibre by picking up a hat-trick. This paves way for both the wrist-spinners to play in tandem but do India want that?
A warm and traditional welcome for #TeamIndia in Bhubaneswar.#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/Xw1IL7g6gU
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2019
17 years in waiting
The last time West Indies won the bilateral ODI series against India in India was 17 years ago, in 2002. That was a seven-match series which was tied at 3-3 going into the final game. Marlon Samuels’ century and 83 from Ramnaresh Sarwan helped West Indies take the series 4-3. Also, West Indies have a wonderful opportunity to register their first ODI victory against India at Cuttack. They lost all three of their encounters with the last being a one-wicket loss in 2011.
Numbers To Look Out For:
Team News:
India
India do have a forced change. Pace bowler Deepak Chahar has been ruled out of the third ODI due to back injury. Navdeep Saini will take his place in the squad and is likely to feature in the game straightway. Also, Shardul Thakur was preferred ahead of Shivam Dube. They may well continue with Thakur. Yuzvendra Chahal may get a go if the pitch is deemed conducive for spinners.
West Indies
The visitors made two changes to their team for the second ODI. Evin Lewis took the opening spot after regaining full fitness. Sunil Ambris was dropped. Also, Khary Pierre came into the side by replacing Hayden Walsh junior. Despite the heavy defeat, the visitors are likely to stick with the same playing XI.
