ICC World Cup 2019 Match 34 Played at Manchester on 27 June
India Vs West Indies
Brief Score Card
India 268/7( Virat Kohli 72, MS Dhoni 56, KL Rahul 48, MH Pandya 46, KAJ Roach 3/36, SS Cottrell 2/50) beat West Indies 143 All Out ( SW Ambris 31, N Puran 28, SO Hetmeyer 18, M Shami 4/16 , JJBumrah 2/9 , YS Chahal 2/29) by 125 Runs
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
Formidable India delivering knock out punch to pathetic West Indies stormed into second position of the points table. From six games, one less than the others with 11 points they are more or less assured of semi final berth. West Indies with 3 points from 7 matches joins the party with Afghanistan and South Africa getting ready to leave early.
Would one believe that the team which scored 426 in the warm up match of this very world cup against quality attack of New Zealand can play like school children against Indian attack managing only 143 before getting bundled out? How circumstances alter cases. West Indies was unbeatable team in 1970s and 1980s. In 2019 they lost 5 of the 7 matches they played so far. The calypso brand of cricket is gone unfortunately.
India batting first on a slow wicket having a lot of purchase for quality bowlers did also struggle reaching 268/7. The score could be still lower had West Indies taken all their chances. At midway it appeared that West Indies might cause a surprise. But diverse quality all round bowling attack of India exposed the weakness of West Indies batting. They were bundled out for 143 and lost by 125 runs. India having matches against England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka appears almost certain for the semi final berth. West Indies have two matches against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. It will not change their fate even if they win both.
India for their strong performance in the recent past has already elevated to the number one position of ICC ODI ranking pushing England behind. On a bright sunny day winning the toss Indian captain Virat Kohli did not hesitate to bat in efforts to shrug off the lethargy their batting demonstrated against Afghanistan in the previous match. The wicket had subtle movement, was gripping and turning. West Indies pacers Cottrell and Roach bowled teasing deliveries. But they were far from consistent. Rohit could not do much. But Rahul and Kohli quickly assessed the condition. They concentrated on rotating strikes. Instead of hitting big boundaries run mostly came in singles. The second wicket partnership produced 69 runs. A good foundation was created.
India continued experimenting with young Shankar leaving more talented Karthik and Pant warming the bench. It failed to work again. Roach removed Shankar and Jadhav in quick succession. Virat and Dhoni consolidated for a while before Kohli got out 72 impressive runs. This innings proved why he is rated the best batsman of world cricket down. On this wicket he looked the horse for the course.
Veteran Dhoni also played an innings of substance finishing with 56. Earlier Rahul at the top scored useful 48. India produced a good enough score of 268/7.
This score could be susceptible if only universe boss CH Gayle could have fired. But talented Shami looked in ominous form. In his penetrative first spell he pegged West Indians effectively. Gayle, Hope and Hetmyer were consumed early. Bumrah also did not lag behind. He kept on bowling tight and he killed any possibility of middle order surge clipping the wings of free scoring Holder and Brathwaitte effectively. West Indies innings never went smooth at all. India have experimented their bowling combination sensing that pace bowlers taking out the venom of West Indies bowling created that opportunity for them. Shami bowling only 6.2 overs took 4/16 and Bumrah in his 6 overs took 2/9, Leg spinner Chahal also took 2/29. India have won big by 125 runs.
Perhaps India needs rethinking a little bit about their batting. Rahul has craftily addressed the issue of opening partnership following injury to Sikhar Dhawan. But Indian plan for slotting Vijay Shakar at number four has not paid dividend yet. Pant or Kartik would be more useful.
Anyway India is almost sure of a semi final berth. They remain the only unbeatable side. The top team would play against number four which may be England or any of the three Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka depending on what happens in the remaining matches.
Now the question is whether Australia or India would finish on top. India dropped a point from a rain ruined match. Australia lost a match against India. Sun started coming out, days getting hotter and wickets getting dry. Indian spinners would make hay. It will be very difficult to challenge India by any team if only their batsmen produce defendable total. Indian bowling is by far the strongest in this tournament.
West Indies promised a lot looking very good in the warm up matches and blasting Pakistan in the first match. But unfortunately that was their only win. The fielding looked very ordinary, batting was also poor. It was painful for their admirers as most of West Indians are super stars in T20 franchise – precious commodities.
BDST: 0927 HRS, JUNE 28, 2019
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