India vs West Indies – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is India vs West Indies taking place? Friday, February 18th, 2022 – 13:30 (UK)
Where is India vs West Indies taking place? Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What is the expected weather for India vs West Indies? 22-20c with clear skies and light winds
What channel is India vs West Indies on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404)
Where can I stream India vs West Indies? The match can be streamed live the SkyGo app
LAST MEETING
India beat West Indies by six wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
INDIA
- India successfully made it seven straight T20i victories in a row on Wednesday in Kolkata as they now look to try and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in this three-match series.
- After restricting West Indies to 157/7 off their 20 overs, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front once again, top scoring with 40 as both he and fellow opener Ishan Kishan (35) laid the foundations for a successful run chase.
- India are not expected to make any unenforced changes for the second T20i, although both Deepak Chahar and Venkatesh Iyer suffered hand injuries, rendering both a doubt for this match.
WEST INDIES
- West Indies were unable to get a big enough score on the board in the first T20i and after failing to take early wickets, the writing was on the wall for them in terms of the overall outcome.
- Nicholas Pooran impressed with a fast and furious 61 from 43 balls including five sixes, however the tourists were not potent enough with the ball, as taking wickets are essential if you want to beat India on their own patch.
- The absence of opener Evin Lewis is clearly a big blow, but Kyle Mayers showed potential in the first T20i with a stylish 31 and should be given another chance here, whilst Jason Holder is expected to return after being struck on the chest in a practice session on Tuesday, which ruled him out of the match the following day.
THE PREDICTION
West Indies showed enough about themselves in the first T20i to suggest that they have a genuine chance of keeping themselves in this series, although their bowling must significantly improve. The worry batting wise is that they are perhaps a tad over reliant on the likes of Pooran and Kieron Pollard with Roston Chase a particular worry in the middle order. India contain the more T20i savvy batters within their top order, the likes of Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav coming in at three and four respectively a testament to the quality within their side in this format. With home advantage in their favour again and their bowlers extremely well suited to the conditions, the sensible move is to back India to record an eight consecutive victory in T20 cricket.
