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India vs West Indies 1st T20I: Predicted Fantasy XIs and Budget Picks

The pitch is known to aid the batters in the recent past, the straight and square boundaries are very big at this venue which will get the bowlers into action as well.

By Omar | Aug 2, 2023 | 2 Min Read

West Indies are arriving on the back of a series loss to India in the ODI and Test format. The first match of the five-T20I series will be played on July 3, Thursday, just 48 hours after the victory in the final ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago, the venue where India clinched the 50-over format series. Similar to the ODIs, India will look to give opportunities to youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Mukesh Kumar -all three are coming on the back of a prolific IPL 2023 campaign. Hardik Pandya, who led in the final two ODIs in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, will be aiming for another success as India’s skipper.

Meanwhile, West Indies, despite losing the series 2-1, would take heart from the victory in the second ODI. The two-time world champions will pose a big threat to the inaugural T20 World Cup winners in their favourite format. One should give the credit for their brilliant effort in their convincing victory in the second ODI. The first game of the series, they were dismissed for 114 in just 23 overs but realised their mistakes and brought Alzarri Joseph and Keacy Carty back, and both of them chipped in with valuable contributions to level the series. They are, therefore, unlikely to alter the lineup that helped them win their first match against India in three years.

India will need to make difficult decisions. Suryakumar Yadav was given two opportunities, but the top-ranked T20I batsman did not do much with the willow. Now it is interesting to see whether he or Sanju Samson, gets another chance in the T20Is. India are favourite to win this but you never know with this unpredictable West Indian team.

Pitch

The pitch is known to aid the batters in the recent past, the straight and square boundaries are very big at this venue which will get the bowlers into action as well. The weather is expected to be slightly humid. The captain who wins the toss will look to chase the total down as there is a bit of dew expected in the latter half of the second innings.