Match Details

Date: 18 February 2022

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Ball-by-ball Commentary: SportsTiger App

Preview

After defeat in the first game, West Indies will hope to turn things around when they take the field on Friday. However, it will not be easy for them to beat a charged-up Indian side. The Men in Blue were right on the money in the first game as they restricted West Indies to a below-par total and later, chased it down comfortably. For the visitors, Nicholas Pooran was the star with a fine half-century. But West Indies still need something from their openers. India, on the other hand, will try to be clinical as Rohit Sharma had said.

Pitch Report

Since it will be a night game, dew is expected to play its part. The Eden Gardens pitch is known for aiding the batters with the quick outfield. However, the pace bowlers will also have a role to play.

Team Analysis

India: After a good show in the first game, Rohit Sharma will shy away from chopping and changing the playing XI. Ishan Kishan found it hard to time the ball in the first game, but the young batter is expected to come good in the next game. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, was timing the ball sweetly like he always does at the Eden Gardens. Virat Kohli once again fell early but is expected to bounce back strongly. The biggest positives for India were Ravi Bishnoi and Suryakumar Yadav. Both players were too good for the opposition and are likely to retain their place. Deepak Chahar got hit on his bowling hand and thus may be rested. Shardul Thakur can come in as a like-for-like replacement.

West Indies: The visitors have not been able to come together in the last four white-ball games. Kieron Pollard returned to the XI after resting for the last two ODIs but did not do enough. Pooran was brilliant and will retain his place. Kyle Mayers also chipped in with a crucial 31 and will keep his place. Brandon Kings may make way for Shai Hope. Romario Shepherd is expected to be replaced by Jason Holder. Other than that, West Indies will be playing almost the same XI.

Probable Playing XIs

India: Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar/Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies: Brandon King/Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard (c), Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith, Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell

Match Prediction

Conclusion

India are formidable at home, especially at Eden Gardens. Their captain enjoys batting on Gardens’ pitch and he can win game single-handedly on any given day. ThThe e form also is favoring the hosts. Thus, India are favorites once again.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s personal point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.