T20 Cricket World Cup India v West Indies Tips: Windies value to knock out hosts

• India & West Indies playing knockout cricket
• Winner through to semis
• Pitch might not be too flat
• Windies worth the gamble
• For Betfair's latest cricket betting odds click here

India v West Indies
Sunday 1 March, 13.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

India v West Indies T20WC team news

India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in what was probably their best performance of the tournament. That's not a competitive heat, though. there's also an argument that they were a little disappointing with the ball considering Zimbabwe managed to score at more than nine an over.

There are clearly concerns about the batting. Sanju Samson returned to the XI at the expense of Rinku Singh. There could be another change in the offing. India may want to squeeze west indies with spin so pairing Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav as spin twins is tempting. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube can support Jasprit Bumrah in the pace department. Arshdeep Singh would step away.

Possible India XI:  Samson, Abhishek, Ishan, Tilak, Sky, Hardik, Dube, Rinku, Axar, Arhsdeep/Kuldeep, Bumrah, Varun

West Indies got a reality check against South Africa. The Windies had looked powerful until they ran into the proteas juggernaut. It was hard not to feel a little sorry for them because, at the break, they would have been cock-a-hoop.

They had been reduced to 83 for seven but a brilliant fightback from Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd got them up to an improbable 176. But they were absolutely blitzed by Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton as the Saffers barely broke sweat.

Roston Chase has come in for Akeal Hosein. One wonders whether the trade off is worth it. Chase is technically a better batter but not as dangerous with the ball while Akeal can give it a whack at the death.

Probable West Indies XI: Hope, King, Hetmyer, Chase, Powell, Rutherford, Holder, Shepherd, Forde, Motie, S Joseph

India v West Indies T20WC pitch report

Eden Gardens is usually a venue for runs. But the runs per over average for the ten day-night matches is just 7.7 at t20i. There is a toss bias in those matches with seven won by the chaser.

In this tournament the pitch has been up and down. England busted 200 against Italy but had periods of struggle. West Indies managed only 165 against the Scots. The markets, however, may expect two gung-ho batting line-ups to put on a show. On the Exchange high par lines for India (mid 190s) may be there for taking on. There is evidence that this is one to swing against the tide with. 

India v West Indies T20WC match prediction

This is a quarter-final with the winner progressing and the loser going home despite it being a group match. India have disappointed, West Indies have surprised. Something's got to give in Kolkata.

Given the chutzpah of West Indies and the air of confidence they have around this format, it is hard not to reckon they have more than the average dog in the fight. No doubt Windies players would be surprised to hear they are considered significant outsiders. They are 4.30100/30.

India have struggled for balance and at coping with expectation. As stated consistently, there are few leaders in this XI and they're certainly not getting much from coach Gautam Gambhir, who is a deeply unimpressive coach.

Windies would rate a fair wager. Even better if they bat first because they have a good opportunity to take a chunk out of the price if they get first use of a flat one with that toss bias on side. 

India v West Indies T20WC player tips

We take a risk on Romario Shepherd backing up brilliant batting with something similar with the ball. Shepherd is 5/16.00 for top bowler. it's a big edge on how often he wins the market as one of the most reliable in the world for bettors. The caveat this tournament has been that, bizarrely, after his four-wicket over against the Scots Windies have reckoned they have better options. he has been criminally underused. A death expert, West indies may need the cream of the crop against the hosts. Keep stakes smart.

Now read Ed's Ultimate Guide to the T20 World Cup