IND vs WI: 2nd T20I Preview – Jubilant hosts aim to clinch series
Despite a high-level performance, West Indies simply couldn’t withstand a perfect storm from the bat of Virat Kohli in Hyderabad. This resulted in them tasting a defeat against India, despite piling on a 200+ score on the board. They will now have their task cut out in order to contain an Indian side building momentum, as the action moves down further south for the second T20I.
Match Info
India vs West Indies: 2nd T20I, December 10th
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (7:00 pm, IST)
Head-to-Head
Matches – 15
India wins – 9
West Indies wins – 5
N/R – 1
Weather and pitch conditions
According to Accuweather, it is set to be a partly cloudy evening in Thiruvananthapuram with the temperatures hovering around the 27-degree mark. The chances of rain remain negligible, making it a perfect evening for a game of cricket.
The Greenfield International Stadium is a multi-purpose venue, also hosting matches of the Indian national football team from time to time. It has only hosted a single T20I game in 2017, with it being a low-scoring affair. The ball often stops and grips on the surface, making it a difficult one for stroke-making. Both the teams and the crowd will be definitely hoping for a much truer wicket this time around.
Team News
India
With a memorable chase in Hyderabad, the team management isn’t likely to tamper much with a winning combination. The batting order finally looks settled, but the likes of Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav may get a look-in after a poor bowling display.
West Indies
West Indies will have the services of Nicholas Pooran again after his ban due to ball-tampering. He will return straight back into the lineup. The Windies will also have to take a good hard look at their bowling attack which leaked runs left, right and centre.
Key Players
Virat Kohli (India): Who else but the skipper? Kohli was the difference between the two sides in the first T20I and who could bet against him making a defining contribution again?
Kieron Pollard (West Indies): The West Indies skipper looked in good touch with the bat in Hyderabad. Pollard will now hope to up the ante and take his team over the line in Thiruvanthapuram.
Probable XI
India: R Sharma, KL Rahul, V Kohli (c), S Iyer, R Pant (wk), S Dube, R Jadeja, W Sundar, B Kumar, D Chahar, Y Chahal
West Indies: L Simmons, E Lewis, B King, N Pooran (wk), S Hetmyer, K Pollard (c), J Holder, F Allen, K Pierre, K Paul, S Cottrell
