The West Indies senior one-day side, which pulled off a four-wicket heist against the touring Pakistan team to snatch a historic win in the first match of the Brighto Paints Q Mobile Cup one–day series at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Friday last will hope for another quality showing in today’s all-important encounter. From all indications the pitch will aid in assisting the home side if they so desire since the newly laid surface produced even bounce and carry which ensured that over 600 runs were scored as bowlers from both sides were plundered to all parts of Guyana’s main cricketing venue.
Fans, who are now hyped for today’s encounter, will be anxious to see the side’s follow-up performance after they hunted down a mammoth Pakistan score in making 309-6 in response to Pakistan’s 308-5. It was the highest successful run chase by any Caribbean side at Providence a traditional low scoring venue which has now awakened interest in the three-match series which from all indications, promises to be an exciting one.
Followers of the regional side will be desperate for another run-fest while being aware that the “Real West Indies”, the West Indies who are usually inconsistent and full of surprises, will not raise their hands in today’s all important encounter thus ensuring that the Caribbean side goes 2-0 up in the three-match series in an effort to gain enough points to qualify for the 2019 ICC World – Cup while also building consistency and belief in the camp.
The side should remain unchanged, with Rovman Powell being the only consideration, if Jason Holder deems it necessary to fiddle with the side’s combinations. Powell can be useful since the newly laid surface seems to be suited for the seamers and batters who prefer to hit through the line of the ball. That option, however, is left to be seen, if Holder will take it.
The bowlers, in this encounter, will have to show-up in a major way because it is not assured that Jason Mohammed will play out his skin again to pull off another come from behind win.
All in all, today’s match up will not only give followers of the game a true sense of newly laid surface will fare, but it will also display the thirst and hunger of Holder’s young troops.
