ICC World Twenty20 Preview Confident India Take On Defending Champions West Indies.In their tournament opener against Pakistan on Friday, all departments of the Indian team performed in perfect harmony as they romped to a seven-wicket win. And on Sunday, they would be looking to do an encore against defending champions West Indies in a Super 10 Group 2 game at the World T20 here.Mirpur, Mar 22: Their sagging morale lifted after a thumping win over Pakistan, Indian spinners will now have to brace up for the ever-dangerous Chris Gayle when the team squares off against defending champion West Indies in its second match of the ICC World Twenty20 Championships here tomorrow.
Gayle’s opening partner Dwayne Smith is a top-notch hitter as well. The middle order possesses Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Bravo – both capable of shifting gears with ridiculous ease. Samuels’ foray in the 2012 World T20 final, where he launched a scathing attack on Lasith Malinga is the indicator of his immense talent.In all certainty, India won’t tinker with their bowling combination. Amit Mishra was used as an attacking option against Pakistan.
Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar went for a few runs towards the end. Against West Indies they have their work cut out against aggressive batsmen in the death overs. West Indies have a lot of variety in their bowling line-up. Samuel Badree and the mysterious Sunil Narine are the two spinners in their ranks. Left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie is an unknown commodity and has the ability to pick up wickets early on. He was one of the stars in the Caribbean Pemier League. According to captain Darren Sammy, Santokie gets most of his wickets either bowled or leg-before which augurs well for his type of bowling on Mirpur track.
India have never beaten West Indies in the World T20 competition. The Sunday game will test their mettle and also temperament. In-form Suresh Raina rightly pointed out: “Whoever loses focus will lose the battle.”
