IND vs WI, 2nd T20I Preview: Winless Windies up against clinical India
India continued their domination over West Indies as they clinched the first of the three T20Is in some style to take a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. On the back of a 0-3 loss in the ODIs, West Indies were expected to give a better fight in the shortest format, which they thrive in.
However, the first T20I proved to be a failed effort, with them not managing to post a total challenging enough for the Indian batters who were chasing a moderate target against bowlers struggling with a wet ball.
While the margin of victory on paper would suggest the six-wicket win was a cakewalk for the hosts, West Indies did have their moments. For instance, they had India reduced to 114/4 with wickets of a struggling Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in quick succession, but Suryakumar Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer prevented a mishap.
With the series on the line, the margin of error for the visitors is zero, as a loss on February 18 will seal the series for India. Despite the win in the first game, however, India will be complacent at their own peril, for West Indies and the shorter format of the game go hand in hand.
Head to head:
Match Details
India vs West Indies, 2nd T20I
Venue: Eden Gardens. Kolkata
Date & Time: February 18th, 7:00 PM IST
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network
Team News
India
Though India would want to retain the winning combination, they might be forced to make changes as both Deepak Chahar and Venkatesh Iyer picked mild injuries. India have ample backups in Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj.
Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar/Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal.
West Indies
Jason Holder, who sat out of the first game due to injury, is expected to come back into the team.
Predicted XI: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Jason Holder/Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell
