India v West Indies 3rd T20 Tips, Predictions and Preview – Series at stake in Mumbai decider

Dec 18, 2019

West Indies mixed flair, maturity and composure to win the second T20I against India by eight wickets and level the series at 1-1 to set up a grand finale in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The visitors have happy memories of the ground, having won the 2016 World T20 semi-final here against India. Furthermore, the nature of pitch and the ground should favour the stroke makers from the West Indies. It is safe to say that the Windies head to Mumbai with belief, although India can’t be ruled out entirely.

India

Inability to launch in the final five overs and fielding lapses cost India dear in the second T20I. Captain Virat Kohli will also be worried about his side’s aversion to batting first. Eleven of India’s last 15 T20I losses have come while batting first, which remains a concern.

Rohit Sharma’s form is a worry too (8 & 15), although he remains a vital member of this T20 side. Rishabh Pant showed signs of improved form, although bowlers continue to disappoint. Deepak Chahar and Yuzvendra Chahal will be wary of their places, considering their high economy rates in both the matches.

West Indies

The visitors’ batting was up for the task in both the games. Evin Lewis (80 runs, SR 153.84) showed his love for the Indian attack, while Shimron Hetmyer (SR 143.63) was not far behind. Nicholas Pooran’s cameo in his comeback match is a refreshing sign of the huge potential of this Windies unit.

Sheldon Cottrell (ER 6.37) has been the best bowler on view this series, papering the inefficiencies elsewhere. Jason Holder could face scrutiny over his role, although his batting gives an extra dimension to the side.

Match Up

India struggled to take off from a perfect launchpad created by Shivam Dube in the second T20I. Fielding lapses didn’t help either, and Kohli will hope for a quick regroup. West Indies have been the consistent side so far in the series, with their batting leading the way. Chasing has been the preferred mode for both the sides, which puts greater emphasis on the toss. With the short boundaries and a venue magnetic for big shots, the visitors hold a slight advantage.

History & Statistics

India’s last five home T20I losses have come while batting first.
India have lost two of the three T20Is played here.
In eight of India’s last nine home T20Is, the team winning the toss has chosen to bowl first.
Nine of India’s last 10 completed home T20Is were won by the chasing side.
All three T20Is played at this venue were won by the chasing side.
West Indies have won the only H2H at this venue.
West Indies have lost six of their last eight T20Is played in India.

Key Players

It is not often that Rohit Sharma finishes a series without a big score. He didn’t look the part in the first two matches, but back him to find his feet at his home ground.

Shimron Hetmyer has looked composed so far, mixing his aggression with the right amount of defence. Scores of 56 & 23 at a SR of 143.63 show that he is ready for a big knock.