The third ODI of the five-match series between India and West Indies will
be played at North Sound in Antigua. The two teams have played in two games so
far and India have won both the games to lead the series 2-0.
It was an interesting two games in which the West Indies side looked
to running the Indians close but in the end failed to do so. Instead, what happened
was that the Indians ran off in the last mile to win both the games with ease.
Click for Live Score Card of India Vs West Indies
In the first ODI, the side was left to chase 215 for a win and after a sluggish
start, the batting of Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina saw the side through.
In the second game, the West Indian side should have scored much more than 240.
At one stage, it looked like the West Indian side could get to 270 or even more
with Kieron Pollard at the crease but they failed in the latter overs
to the spin of Amit Mishra and were bowled out for 240. Then it rained with
the Indians at 100/1 in 22 overs and the target was reduced to 183 for the Indian
side which they had to get in 37 overs and that paved way for an easy win for
the Indian team.
India will look to continue going in the same vein although they will be a bit
confused about what to do if they won the toss. They have chased down the totals
in both the games but it must be said that each time the West Indian side has
looked good to run the team close. The Indians will also want to have a look at
all the batsmen and so batting first could be an option.
However, the flip to that is that this is going to be an early morning start
and that could make things difficult. The batting in the first half of the innings
isn't the most easy when the pitch is doing a bit and it will not be a surprise
if the pitch swung around for the pace bowlers. Instead, the pair of Praveen
Kumar and Munaf Patel would love bowling first - something of a luxury
when they play at home.
West Indies had got in Kieron Pollard for the previous game but it seemed to be
a decision that hadn't pleased the captain. It will be interesting to see how
they go about their selection this game.
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