IND vs WI 1st T20: The first match of the 3-match T20 series between India and the West Indies will begin at 7.30 pm today. For the series opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, both the teams have practiced vigorously.
The Indian team had defeated the West Indies 3-0 in the ODI series, but in the T20 series, there is a possibility of tough competition between the two teams. West Indies had defeated England 3-2 in the 5-match T20 series before touring India. All the players of the current Windies team are considered to be T20 specialists, as apart from playing from their national team, they also play in T20 leagues around the world.
On the other hand, there is a good synergy of experienced and young players in the Indian team. Under the leadership of new captain Rohit Sharma, the team is performing well. Team India also has the advantage of playing on home ground. The pitch and toss at the Eden Gardens are both going to play a crucial role in Ind vs WI 1st ODI.
Here's how these two factors can impact the outcome of the match.
The pitch at the Eden Gardens is expected to help the fast bowlers. Bowlers might get assistance due to good bounce on the pitch. India's fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Avesh Khan can do wonders here. Similarly, Windies fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Jason Holder can also create trouble for the Indian batting order. A lot of dew is being seen here for the last 2 days. In this situation, the bowlers might face some trouble in gripping the ball during the second innings.
In the 9 T20 matches played so far at the Eden Gardens, the team batting second has won 6 times. The team that batted first has won only 3 times. It's a bit difficult to bowl here in the second innings because of the dew at night. The team that wins the toss prefers to bowl first here.
India-West Indies have clashed at Eden Gardens before: The Indian team and the West Indies team has faced each other before on this ground. In the match held in November 2018, India defeated the West Indies by 5 wickets here.