The Test series between India and West Indies just concluded a few days ago where Virat Kohli's team won with considerable ease. But India will not find it easy against West Indies in the two-match T20 series, with the first match scheduled at Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida on Saturday.
Click here to watch India vs West Indies 2nd T20 live
What makes the contest interesting is the presence of big names in both the teams. West Indies might have been outplayed by India in the Test series, but they are a completely different unit when it comes to T20 cricket. Remember, they are the world champions, who took the world by storm after some incredible performance in the competition in India.
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India might view this series as revenge as it was West Indies, who showed the home side the exit doors after defeating them in the semifinal. The team from the Caribbean, with quality cricket in the series, will try and prove that their victory in the World T20 was not a flash in the pan.
Coming to the first T20, a run-feast is expected in Florida, with both teams comprising some outstanding batsmen in their squads. Chris Gayle needs no introduction, and with players like Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels and Andre Fletcher, they can defeat any team on their day. Add to it, the all-round skills of Carlos Brathwaite, who will lead the side in the U.S. as well.
Most of the players included in the West Indies T20 squad did not feature in the Test series, so their positive attitude can help a long way in coming up with a good performance in the U.S.
India, on the other hand, more or less have their core players from the Test side, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, who will hope to score huge runs for the team. The team will be led by MS Dhoni as the Jharkhand man will also play his first match for India after coach Anil Kumble took over the job.
Looking at the incredible batting line-up of both the teams, one feels sorry for the India and West Indies bowlers, who might have some huge trouble in containing the run flow. However, the crowd in Florida, which is expected to be come out in huge numbers, will not be disappointed if they see the likes of Gayle and Kohli using their willow as a baseball bat to entertain the fans.
This is the first time India will play an international cricket match in USA, and Dhoni's team will hope to make a winning start in the series.
India vs West Indies 1st T20
Date: Saturday, Aug. 27.
Time: 10 a.m. local time (7.30 p.m. IST, 3 p.m. BST).
Venue: Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida.
TV listings: India: Star Sports 1/HD, Star Sports 3/HD. USA, Canada and the Caribbean: Yupp TV.
