Patriot Report

Last time India and West Indies played against each other in India. West Indies pulled out of the tour midway over a payment dispute with their board that resulted to a change in leadership and exit of senior players Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.

257 runs defeat by South Africa could be haunting the players of West Indies as they would enter into the ground to play against topper of group B. Players of both teams know the positives and negatives of each others as they are playing together in Indian Premier League for years now. High on spirit, Indian team would utilize the twenty overs of Ashwin and Jadega to put pressure on West Indies, a team known to not play spin bowling very well. In today’s match West Indies will face the most economical attack of the tournament. West Indies have racked up 300-plus all three times they have batted first in this World Cup, failed just once to defend that against Ireland. West Indies were very poor while bowling first against South Africa as they were hammered all around the park and given over 400 runs.

The Indian batsmen will also be tested in the conditions of Perth against the West Indies fast bowlers. It is their fourth and last group match in Australia before they move to the smaller grounds of New Zeeland. Before the tournament, hardly anyone would have thought India could fly out from Perth with four wins in four, but they have a good chance to do just that. They are very high on spirit after winning all of their matches, particularly against Pakistan and one of the favorites to win the world cup South Africa.

Supporters of Pakistan cricket team would have keen interest in today’s match, India’s victory would lower down the West Indies on the points table and Pakistan would be beneficiary.  Currently Pakistan is on fourth number with a run rate of -0.385 and Wes Indies are just above with 0.-313. Although match is between India and West Indies but Pakistan’s chances to advance to the quarter finals would boost in case of Indian victory.

Today’s Fixture

India v West Indies

28th Match, Pool B

11:30 AM PST