Champions Trophy: Pakistan vs West Indies, Match 2, Group B – WI Preview

West Indies had a memorable time playing in the Champions Trophy the last time it was held in England, as they came back from hopeless position to win the tournament in 2004 at The Oval, incidentally the same

venue where they will be begin their campaign against Pakistan on Friday.

Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and Ramnaresh Sarwan were involved in that famous game nine years ago and now are part of a side that has the capability to go all the way in this competition. West Indies finally started showing the promise under the leadership of Darren Sammy to reach the glorifying heights of yesteryears; he also led them to the World Twenty20 title, but indifferent form in the ODI format meant Bravo was appointed as his replacement as captain.

West Indies have defeated only one high ranked team in a bilateral series, New Zealand, whom they defeated 4-1 last July at home, in last three years. But skipper Bravo is optimistic about his players and he believes if Pakistan has world’s best bowling line-up, then he has got world’s best batsmen in his side. West Indies have not been in good form in recent past. The fact can be highlighted by the events at the turn of the year when they got the 5-0 mauling at the hands of Australia.

So for them to win, the Big Five, all match winners in their own right, will have to stand up and be counted. Gayle made his intentions clear when he said he wants to play deep into the innings. Samuels, who is voted one of Wisden’s top five cricketers of 2013, will be the linchpin between the top and lower order, and more than useful with the ball with his 120 kph darts. Pollard needs to bring his finishing skills which are so effective in Twenty20 cricket on a consistent basis in 50-over cricket.

But the two people who will be most vital are the former and current captains: Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy. Bravo, who took over the ODI leadership from Sammy, has earned the respect of his players, being the one of the most senior member after Gayle, Sarwan and Samuels. More than his all-round abilities, it will be his leadership style that will determine the Windies approach in this tournament. In the past, Bravo has been seen isolated at times. He needs to team-up with Sammy, and be flexible in changing plans whenever the going gets tough.

Head-to-Head:

In ICC ODI tournaments, Pakistan have beaten West Indies on four occasions while losing eight times. Recently, though, Pakistan have outperformed West Indies when they came face to face in the group match of 2009 Champions Trophy which Pakistan won by 5 wickets. Six months after that Champions Trophy match, both sides met in Dhaka for the quarter-final of ICC World Cup 2011. Pakistan again, under Shahid Afridi, won the quarter-final by 10 wickets.

But in England the tables completely turn, as West Indies have won 4 of the 5 ODIs against Pakistan here.

Player to watch out: Kieron Pollard

Few players in world cricket have the power that Pollard brings to the table. With a god gifted ability to clear the ground at will, he’s one the most exciting cricketers to watch in the world.

His performances for the national team haven’t always been as good as his performances for the various domestic franchises around the world. Still, a look at the numbers will reveal a bit different story. He has been West Indies’ best ODI batsman since the start of 2011-12 season where he has scored 926 runs from 30 innings with three centuries which is the most by a West Indian batsman during this period.

To sum it up in one line, don’t take your eyes off of Pollard.

Playing XI (possible): Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo (capt), Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine, Kemar Roach.

Prediction:

History indicates that both teams have unpredictability factor. Once they get going, they can beat any side on a given day and once the things start to fall, they collapse against the easiest of oppositions.

The Windies have a solid core and has the talent to beat anyone they face. Pakistan is going to face some troubles in this tournament with a young squad. They may recover in their next two matches, but West Indies will win this one in what promises to be an aggressive contest.