India v West Indies 2nd T20 Tips, Predictions and Preview – India bid for series win

Dec 7, 2019

India's batsmen overpowered West Indies by six wickets in the first T20I and a 1-0 lead going into the second T20I at Thiruvananthapuram gives India a great chance to win yet another series.

For the Windies, anything but a win will be detrimental to their series hopes.

India

KL Rahul (62 off 40 balls, 5×4 4×6) gave India a perfect platform with a measured innings. Virat Kohli (94* off 50, 6×4 6×6) channelled his initial frustrations in the best possible manner to come up with a perfect knock to make light work of the 208-run chase.

India still have some concerns, especially with Deepak Chahar struggling to recreate his recent form. However, they remain strong in the bowling department and should continue to enjoy home comforts. With the series not yet in the bag, the experiments could be put under the ice for some more time.

West Indies

West Indies were in the game for a long period of time, until Kohli took it away from them. Shimron Hetmyer’s innings (56 off 41) was the pick of the lot for the Windies, while Evin Lewis (40 off 17, 3×4 4×6) continued his love affair with the Indian bowling.

Jason Holder and Kesrick Williams flopped for the Windies, combining for figures of 7.4-0-106-0. Khary Pierre (2 for 44) didn’t really impress with the ball, which opens up avenues for team changes. Fabian Allen’s recovery could be crucial, as the Windies look to get back in the series.

Match Up

On a perfect batting strip, India showed that their batting might is better than that of the visitors. With the series on the line, the Windies are expected to put in a better effort. Nicholas Pooran coming back into contention will improve their batting, but bowling remains a concern too. Overall, India retain a minor edge over West Indies and should fancy their chances of closing out the series with a win.

History & Statistics

India have won 11 of their last 15 completed home T20Is.

India have won the only T20I played at this venue.

In seven of India’s last eight home T20Is, the team winning the toss has chosen to bowl first.

Eight of India’s last nine completed home T20Is were won by the chasing side.

India have won their last seven T20Is against West Indies, with their last loss coming in July 2017.

West Indies have lost nine of their last ten T20Is.

West Indies have lost 11 of their last 14 T20Is away from home, including neutral venues.

West Indies have lost six of their last seven T20Is played in India.

Key Players

Rishabh Pant played a little cameo of 18 from 9 balls. However, with Sanju Samson breathing down his neck and time running short, he may have to put in a better effort.

Nicholas Pooran made his name by playing a stellar knock in a T20I against India in the last series. The keeper-batsman will look to make up for lost time due to his ball tampering ban.