World Cup Betting: India v West Indies

Match Previews / Ed Hawkins / 19 March 2011 /

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Sachin Tendulkar is the key wicket

"West Indies, with their capitulation against England, have further muddied their reputation"

Ed Hawkins previews the final Group B match in Chennai on Sunday. Follow him on Twitter here

London start tine : 09.00

Team news
Although on the face of it this game would appear meaningless with qualification almost guaranteed, both teams should be keen to finish as high up the table as possible to meet a 'weaker' quarter-final opponent.

West Indies do not appear to be missing Dwayne Bravo with the form of Andre Russell a revelation. He took four wickets against England and was a run short of a 50.

Still, West Indies need to find room for Shiv Chanderpaul to strengthen their batting. It would be harsh on Devon Smith to miss out but as a bettor you'd rather have Shiv on your side than the obdurate opener.

Chris Gayle could be a doubt, however, with him looking far from fit in the defeat to England.

India could make changes. Virender Sehwag could miss out with a niggle meaning Suresh Raina is promoted. Raina could also play in place of Yusuf Pathan. Spinner Ravi Ashwin is expected to replace Piyush Chawla.

Venue and conditions
The average first-innings score in the last eight ODIs at the Chidambaram stadium is 217. Certainly the runs have not flowed in this World Cup and last time out England and West Indies produced a low-scoring affair. If West Indies bat first laying them for 275 or more could be a decent wager.

Match odds
West Indies, with their capitulation against England, have further muddied their reputation. They cannot be trusted and one would have to be desperate to take prices of around [3.55]. They should have comfortably beaten England but chose to continue to bat recklessly in a bizarre display.

India, who are [1.38], are not in the best of form themselves. They are yet to win a game of note and the tournament favourites have looked anything but.

Top batsman - India
India openers Sehwag (327 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (324) will be most punters' idea of value. Both men will go off around [4.00]. Gautam Gambhir (197) and Yuvraj Singh (171) are [5.30] and [7.20] respectively.

Top batsman - West Indies
Smith, [5.50], (212 runs) has been the most successful so far, while [7.60] Kieron Pollard (178) the most destructive. Darren Bravo is [5.10] and Chris Gayle [3.50].

Best bet: Lay West Indies for 275 or more if they bat first at around [3.00]

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