 West Indies face an uphill battle in keeping the series alive when they square
off with India in the third ODI on Monday at Ahmedabad. Although the previous
game went into the penultimate over, 0-2 score line is more reflective of the
situation West Indies find themselves in. India, on the contrary, have had more
points of note through the series, and will be looking to brighten up the few
areas of concern.
Click for Live Score Card of India Vs West Indies
Just looking at the team totals in the second ODI would suggest the two sides
were nearly evenly matched. The reality though is bleaker for the West Indies.
They had slumped to 8-149, by when only two batsmen had scored more than 15
runs. Then the blitzkrieg launched by Ravi Rampaul added 99 for the last
wicket to take them to a respectable 269. The problem West Indies face is simple
- the talent is there, the execution simply isn't. Rampaul bowled creditably
too, and so did Kemar Roach. However, through most of the innings, the
bowling just didn't look threatening enough to pick up wickets. When they try
to fix one thing, the team management is troubled by problems at another front.
Their fielding was disappointing to say the least, with almost half a dozen
chances missed to allow India to maintain their momentum.
India would be looking to seal the series and gain psychological points ahead
of the Australian tour. However, they too have their own worries. Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina face mounting pressure over consistent failures
and could also risk losing their place in the starting line-up in the coming
games. The young fast bowlers showed their potential in exploiting the swinging
conditions. However, the failure to pick up the final wicket should not be taken
lightly, and the young guns need to learn a lesson or two fast.
India have tasted relatively less success at the ground with just one win in
nine years. The West Indies also beat them when the two sides last clashed
here in 2006. India look favorites to win the match and the series. However,
a spirited fightback by the West Indies can also not be ruled out.
|
