Host India will face the mighty West Indies in the second semi-final of ICC World T20 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. West Indies although after losing their last match to Afghanistan qualified for the semi-final by winning first three matches of their group stage, whereas India road to semi-final was not that easy. After losing their first match to New Zealand, India has to win almost every other match in the group stage and they did exactly that. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia suffered defeats against host nation.
India vs West Indies, 2nd Semi Final, ICC World T20 2016: Preview
Wankhede has generally been the high scoring ground in this tournament. England successfully chased down 230 against South Africa and Gayle scored a brilliant 100 against England at the same venue. West Indies will like the conditions as they prefer good batting wickets with their depth in batting. On the other side India has been playing in slow dry conditions where spinners have exploited the conditions to their advantage.
West Indies recent loss to Afghanistan might have created some panic whereas India would be confident enough after their victory against Australia. India would be again looking upto Kohli to continue his form and take India into Finals. The big man Chris Gayle might be playing his last World Cup and he is looking more determined than ever to thrash India all over the park and his 100 against England would give him confidence.
Team Preview – India
India suffered big blow ahead of semi-final clash their star batsman Yuvraj Singh has been ruled out with an injury he suffered in the previous match against Australia and he has been replaced by Manish Pandey. Dhoni would be banking on Ashwin against mighty Chris Gayle. Ashwin has trouble Gayle a bit in IPL and international meetings they have had. With Bumrah, Nehra, Jadeja and Pandya, India bowling unit is looking settled but it will be a tough bowling at Wankhede wicket. India’s batting has been very disappointing other than Virat Kohli no other batsman has been in any sought of runs. Rohit Sharma would be looking to use home conditions to his advantage and give India quick start.
Probable XI
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajnikya Rahane/Manish Pandey, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Ravinder Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Jaspreet Bumrah, Ashish Nehra
Team Preview – West Indies
West Indies would like Chris Gayle to be at his best top of the order. Marlon Samuels, and Andree Fletcher have been in good form too. Strength of West Indies has been their big hitters till No. 8. Badree and Benn have been excellent with the ball throughout the tournament and it will be challenge for them against Virat Kohli and company. West Indies has an advantage of playing once in Wankhede before and batting conditions might suit their kind of play.
Probable XI
Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels, Andree Fletcher, Dinesh Ramdin, Dwayne Bravo, Andree Russell, Darren Sammy, Carlos Brathwaite, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn
Match Facts
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Wankhende has been a high scoring in this tournament and it is expected that tomorrow we might get another high scoring encounter. Teams winning the toss would be looking to bowl first because of dew later on the evening.
Date: 31st March, 2016
Time: 19:00 IST
Coverage: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports HD
Tags: 2nd Semi Final, ICC World T20 2016, India, Mumbai, Preview, Wankhede Stadium, West Indies
