Must-Win Match for India as West Indies Lead T20 Series 2-1

T20 match will be played today in the city of Florida, USA

In a crucial encounter, the fourth T20 match between India and West Indies will be played today in the city of Florida, USA. The match is set to commence at 8:00 PM local time at the Lauterhill Cricket Ground, with the toss scheduled for 7:30 PM. With West Indies leading the five-match T20 series 2-1, the threat of a series loss looms over India, making it imperative for them to win today’s match to stay in contention.

Following the fourth T20, the fifth match is also scheduled to take place in the same city tomorrow. In the upcoming segments, we will delve into the head-to-head record between the two teams in T20s, pitch conditions, weather forecast, and the possible playing XI for both sides.

Tilak and Surya Key for India’s Comeback

In the third T20, India introduced Yashasvi Jaiswal, who replaced an out-of-form Ishan Kishan. However, Jaiswal could only manage a single run before getting out. He might get another chance in today’s match. Tilak Varma has been consistent for India in the series, scoring 39, 51, and an unbeaten 49*. At the top of the ICC T20 batsmen rankings, Suryakumar Yadav’s crucial innings of 83 in the third T20 played a pivotal role in India’s victory. India will rely on the partnership of Suryakumar and Tilak to level the series. Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Hardik Pandya have shared 4 wickets each in the series, leading India’s bowling attack.

Holder’s Potential Return for West Indies

In the third T20, West Indies rested Jason Holder due to injury and gave a chance to Roston Chase. Holder’s return is possible if he is fit, and the team is likely to stick to the same playing XI otherwise. Nicholas Pooran at the top order and Alzarri Joseph in the bowling department have been crucial for West Indies’ success in the series.

India’s Need to Avoid Another T20 Series Loss

In the eight T20 series played between India and West Indies, India has won 6 while West Indies has won 2. West Indies last won a series against India in 2017. If West Indies manages to win today’s match, it would mark the first time they have won a T20 series against India with more than 2 matches.

India had signaled a comeback against the West Indies in the T20 series. The team had secured a victory in the third T20 match by 7 wickets. Captain Hardik Pandya clinched the win with a six.

With that triumph, the series was stand at 2-1. At Guyana’s Providence Stadium, West Indies had won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 159 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Chasing a target of 161 runs, the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma’s partnerships, had achieved victory, losing 3 wickets in 17.5 overs.

Florida Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch in Florida has traditionally favored high scores, but recent matches have shown assistance to spinners and fast bowlers as well. In 14 T20 internationals played at this venue, teams batting first have won 11 times. Rain has affected the series, with light showers expected on both match days.

Probable Playing XI for Both Teams

India:

Hardik Pandya (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh.

West Indies:

Rovman Powell (Captain), Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (Wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase/Jason Holder, Akil Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy.

As the T20 series hangs in the balance, the upcoming match holds immense significance for both teams, especially for India to avoid a series defeat. The stage is set for a thrilling clash between the cricketing giants in the vibrant city of Florida.

Pics Courtesy: Google