CWC 2019: WI vs BAN Preview: A battle of equals

Both the teams, West Indies and Bangladesh, have been a part of four matches in this World Cup. Both have won one, lost two while one of their games was a washout. They now stand at the same step. The game today (17th June) at Taunton promises to be an enthralling battle of the equals.

The Caribbean lads began their campaign extremely well by destroying Pakistani batting unit in a ruthless manner. They almost upstaged Australia but clinched a loss from the jaws of victory. England then defeated them fair and square. With two tough matches lined up next (New Zealand and India), West Indies will want to ensure two points against spirited Bangladeshis.

West Indies had to qualify to be at this World Cup, Bangladesh didn’t. The very fact conveys the progress of this Asian team in white-ball cricket. With humongous experience at their exposure, they can be a tough proposition on their day. Bangladesh will rue the fact that their last match against Sri Lanka was a washout. A win over West Indies will boost their confidence.

Match Info:

West Indies vs Bangladesh, 23rd Match

The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton (3:00 pm IST)

Head-To-Head:

Played – 37

West Indies wins – 14

Bangladesh wins – 21

No result – 2

In the World Cups, West Indies remains unbeaten against Bangladesh. The Caribbean lads have dominated the Bangla tigers in the three completed games. Their most enormous victory came in 2011 World Cup where West Indies shot Bangladesh down for just 58 runs. The team bus was stoned by angry fans after the match.

Team News

One of the leading run-getters of this tournament, Shakib Al Hasan, was injured before the Sri Lanka game. The all-rounder is likely to be fit for today’s encounter.

After the loss against England, West Indies captain Jason Holder did mention a few niggles in the team. Andre Russell’s fitness will be a major concern. There will be question marks over Evin Lewis’ place as well.

Key Players

Shai Hope (West Indies): The West Indian wicketkeeper-batsman has dominated Bangladesh like Bradman. In nine innings, he has scored 662 runs against the Asian team with the highest score of 146 not out. Hope averages 94.5 against Bangladesh.

Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh): Bangladesh captain leads the bowling effort against West Indies. In his nine appearances, the 35-year old has taken 19 wickets while giving away just 4.7 runs per over.

Probable XI

West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Shannon Gabriel

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mustafizur Rahman