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India eye improved batting performance to seal the series

WI v Ind, 2nd T20I, preview



Hit For Six!
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After putting up subpar performances with the bat in the first T20I, both West Indies and India would want to improve on that when they face off in second game of the three-match series in Lauderhill on Sunday, 4 August.

Overview

West Indies v India, 2nd T20I
Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, USA
Sunday, 4 August, 1030am local time, 2.30pm GMT

Both Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine marked their return to international cricket with impressive performances, with the bat and ball respectively, but it didn't suffice, as the batsmen aggregated 95/9 in the allotted 20 overs in the first game on Saturday. Captain Carlos Brathwaite will want them to take up the responsibility and put in a much-improved performance to stay alive in the three-match series.

As for India, lack of scoreboard pressure made sure that they achieved the required target, despite having no significant contribution from their batsmen. However, the young bowling attack was excellent, something that would please Virat Kohli, who will look for similar impact, as India aim to seal the series.

Remember the last time

India chased down a 96-run target with four wickets in hand to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Such was the dominance the bowlers had on the game on Saturday that the highest partnership of the game was worth only 32 runs - the fourth-wicket stand between Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey in the second innings.

What they said

Sunil Narine (West Indies): "It is always good to be back in maroon. Hopefully, I can continue with the performances and keep playing for West Indies. We have to go out there and start winning cricket games before the World Cup. Once we play good cricket and hard cricket, the result will take care of itself."

Sunil Narine finished with figures of 2/14 on his return to international cricket
Sunil Narine finished with figures of 2/14 on his return to international cricket

Virat Kohli (captain, India): "The bowling and fielding were right up there [in the first match]. We would have liked to chase this four down maximum, that's how this pitch was. It was tough to get your shots away with the old ball. We just want to contribute as a team in the second game."

Conditions

A clear and sunny start to the day is expected, with minimum chances of rain, and hence the surface is expected to be a lot drier on Sunday. Spinners might play a decisive role and, considering the conditions, a change in tactics could be expected from both captains at the toss.

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