WI vs IND, 3rd ODI | Match Preview, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Cricket Tips & Prediction

West Indies stunned India on Saturday with a six-wicket win in the 2nd ODI (Image - AP).

Many people applauded India's decision to rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the second ODI of the three-match series against West Indies. Since they currently have nothing to prove, the others should have opportunities to secure positions in Nos. 4 and 5. All of these are part of getting ready for the ODI World Cup, which will be held at home later this year. However, the outcome in Bridgetown, with all respect to a tremendous West Indies comeback, was a complete letdown.

Now that the decider is about to take centre stage, Rohit and Kohli are both anticipated to be called back for the big game on Tuesday (August 1) in order to prevent a humiliating series loss.

Team Previews

West Indies

One should stand up and give the West Indies credit for their cohesive effort in their convincing victory in the second ODI. The first game of the series, in which they were dismissed for 114 in just 23 overs, seemed to be a case of "Men against Boys," even though Rohit and Kohli did not really have much to offer. 

The Caribbean outfit realised their mistakes and brought Alzarri Joseph and Keacy Carty back, and both of them chipped in with valuable contributions to level the series. They are, therefore, unlikely to alter the lineup that helped them win their first match against India in three years.

India

Contrarily, the Men in Blue will need to make difficult decisions. Suryakumar Yadav was given two opportunities, but the top-ranked T20I batsman did not do much with the willow. Now it is interesting to see whether he or Sanju Samson, who only got one chance, gets dropped in the decider to make way for Rohit. Among the rest, Kohli and Jaydev Unadkat are likely to take the place of Umran Malik and Axar Patel, who are expected to be benched after below-par outings.

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Match Details

Pitch Report

Since this will be the first ODI played at Brian Lara Stadium, the surface should be similarly slow and low as it was for the previous two ODIs in Bridgetown. Therefore, spinners are likely to steal the show once more, though pacers can succeed if they find their rhythm.

West Indies vs India Head to Head

In their most recent meeting with India, the West Indies finally snapped a nine-match losing streak. Still, since winning 4-1 at home in 2006, the Caribbean team has not defeated India in an ODI series.  

Due to a remarkable historical record, the West Indies have defeated India in this format 65 times overall, as opposed to India's 70 victories.

West Indies vs India players to watch out for

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has been bowling beautifully against WI (Image - AP).

The joint-highest wicket-taker for India during their previous visit in 2022 was Shardul Thakur, who had seven wickets in three games. This time around, the right-arm pacer has also taken four wickets in two games, with three of those coming in the previous match.

Shai Hope

Shai Hope remained till the end to guide WI beat India in 2nd ODI (Image - AP).

Shai Hope, the Mr. Reliable in ODIs for the West Indies, has scored 106 runs in this series, including the match-winning 63 not out. The West Indies captain, who has played in 117 one-day internationals and has an average of 50.87, has a fine record against India, scoring 983 runs in 24 innings at an average of 49.15. 

Probable XIs

West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (c & wk),  Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty,  Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keepers: Shai Hope, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Alzarri Joseph, Kuldeep Yadav, Gudakesh Motie

Captain: Kuldeep Yadav
Vice-captain: Shardul Thakur

Prediction

Although West Indies put on a memorable performance in Bridgetown, it would be unrealistic to anticipate the same in the decider with Rohit and Kohli back in charge. Keep your faith in the Men in Blue to win the third and final ODI before moving on to the T20I leg.

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