Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble said India will be favorites against the West Indies in the upcoming Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup. India claimed a convincing 72-run win against Zimbabwe on Thursday, whereas the West Indies suffered a nine-wicket loss against South Africa at Ahmedabad.
Kumble reckons West Indies doesn’t have a potent bowling line-up and India can certainly target the opposition’s bowling. The Windies have bowlers like Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein. Motie has been the West Indies’ best bowler so far in the tournament with 10 scalps in five games.
Shai Hope’s team had won all of their group stage matches and also registered a comprehensive 107-run win against Zimbabwe.
Anil Kumble said on ESPN Cricinfo, “India certainly are favorites because the West Indies bowling line-up is something that India can target. Of course, they have the firepower with the batting line-up, but that’s again a lot dependent on one or two batters at the top playing a longer innings.
“The focus from India’s strategic point of view needs to be to say, let me get rid of the top order as quickly as possible. If they can do that, then they will expose the big hitters a bit early, like how South Africa did. Then, you have the chance of putting pressure on that powerful batting line-up,” Kumble went on to add.
On the other hand, former South African captain Faf du Plessis said Indian batters can get on top of the West Indies’ seamers.
He added, “Their record is good. They would take confidence from that, moving into that space that they play well at the venue. We spoke about the psychology of that. Against South Africa, they were exposed. They have to tactically be very good with their bowlers because I don’t think they have that X-factor. Doesn’t mean it’s impossible for them to win, but you can get on top of their seamers if they don’t get wickets early.”
India will take on the West Indies at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday in what will be a virtual quarterfinal clash.
