World T20 2nd Semi-Final Preview: Hosts India take on wounded Windies

You couldn’t write a script to India and West Indies’ journey in through to the semi-finals in the World T20 2016. A win against Pakistan, Chris Gayle decimating the ‘World Class’ England attack, India beating a qualifier by one run, Andre Fletcher ruled out and a Virat Kohli wonder literally sums up the tournament for these two teams. However, India vs West Indies matches have always been something to look forward to. Especially, with the crowd hoping for three major events– a Chris Gayle blitz, yet another Virat Kohli show and of course the Indian victory. And, specifically, in that order.

The Wankhede wicket has played host to many iconic matches in recent history. The second semi-final proves to be yet another of those matches. However, there seems to be a special aura that is circulating right through this fixture. Something un-fathomable to put down in words. Thus, at the moment, all we can say now is – May the best team win.

Team News

India

The Indians are on a high, as they should be. The win against Australia was by no means a fluke. It was the genius of one man, Virat Kohli, who has single-handedly carried the Indian team to the semifinals. As MS Dhoni said, the top order, barring Virat Kohli has managed just the 181 runs between them at an average of around 11. Yuvraj Singh’s ankel injury has ruled him out of the tournament. Right handed batsman Manish Pandey has replaced him in the squad. It might well be a blessing in disguise for the likes of Manish, Ajinkya Rahane and Pawan Negi.

The Indian bowling side has been touchwood, to say the least. Despite the likes of Hardik Pandya leaking runs, it seems as though the plan is certainly working for the Indians.

West Indies

The Windies are still left licking their wounds following their shock defeat at the hands of Afghanistan. To make matters worse, an injury to Andre Fletcher marked the end of his World T20 2016 journey. However, the injury might not prove that bad in West Indies’ cause as Lendl Simmons has joined the squad. Simmons is no stranger to the cauldron of the Wankhede Stadium having enjoyed major IPL winning seasons with the Mumbai Indians.

Similar to the Indians, the Windies bowling is touchwood. However, in contrast to their opponents, they have fired on all cylinders thus far. A feisty encounter is on the cards as the two heavyweights clash.

Probable XI-

India:

MS Dhoni (C/wk), Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane/Manish Pandey, Suresh Raina, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra

West Indies:

Darren Sammy (C), Denesh Ramdin (wk), Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Johnson Charles, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Suliemann Benn, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite

Stat Attack

1. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina have scored just 181 runs between them in the World T20 thus far. This accounts for just 35% of the total number of runs compiled by the Indian side thus far.

2. Virat Kohli is the highest run-getter in the tournament thus far with 184 runs to his name. He also boasts of the best average with 92. MS Dhoni is India’s second highest run-getter with 74 runs to his name. Dhoni and Kohli have accounted for 65% of India’s total runs in the ongoing World T20 2016.

3. The West Indies have the least percentage of dot balls in the tournament compared to any other team. Ironically their opponents in the semifinal rank among the highest dot ball players.

4. Chris Gayle has been involved in three of the highest partnerships for each wicket in the tournament for the Windies. He was involved in the highest 2^nd, 3^rd and 5^th wicket partnership, all of which came against England at the Wankhede Stadium.

5. Suleimann Benn has the best ever economy rate in the current tournament conceding just 4.63 runs per over.

How does the combined XI of both the teams look like? – India v West Indies World T20 – Combined XI