Our new in-house writer Lungelo Mdladla takes a look at the 3rd ODI between the West Indies and India.
Following a lamentable ICC Champions Trophy Final, India will be eager to make amends against the West Indies in their five-match ODI series tour.
West Indies vs India | Friday 30 June | | 15:00
Win Match
West Indies 34/10 | Tie 35/1 | India 23/100
West Indies 34/10 | Tie 35/1 | India 23/100
India finished at 199/3 as the first ODI was rained out in the Port-of-Spain. Shikhar Dhawan top scored (87) just 13 runs shy of his century. Devendra Bishoo was the pick of the host’s bowlers with 1/39 in his allotted 10 overs.
The 2nd ODI saw a lot more cricket as the ‘Windies went down by 105 runs against a more determined top tier Indian batting line up. Rahane’s strike rate of 99.03 saw him cruise to 103 in 104 balls. Anchored by Dhawan, the pair scored a first wicket partnership of 100.
The West Indies with their backs on the ropes were unable to chase a dominant 310 set by the Indians and opening batsmen Kieran Powell’s duck didn’t help the Windies cause. Shai Hope top scored (81) for the Caribbean outfit and tail-enders Jason Holder (29) and Rosten Chase*(33) did their best to salvage a more respectable score.
India’s 22-year-old Kuldeep Yadav managed 3/50 in his 9 overs while seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept it tidy with his spell of 2/9.
Expect the usual suspects for India while two changes have been made for the Windies as Jonathan Carter and Kieran Powell make way for Sunil Ambris and Kyle Hope.
Players to watch will be both team captains Jason Holder and Virat Kholi, spinner Devendra Bishoo, and slow-left chinaman Kuldeep Yadav.
Last five matches
India: Won 3 and Lost 2
West Indies: Won 1 Lost 4
West Indies: Won 1 Lost 4
Verdict: India 23/100India will be brimming with confidence ahead of their third ODI while West Indies will try claim at least one of the remaining three ODI matches and stay alive in front of their home crowd.
