As we near towards the final showdown of this edition of ICC T20 World Cup 2016, with 2010 champions England and 2012 champions West Indies taking on each other for the second time in this tournament. The first time, these two team clashed was in Match No. 15 of the T20 World Cup which West Indies, thanks to Chris Gayle chased down England’s mammoth target of 182 runs. Gayle in this match remained unbeaten 100, since that loss Gayle has not been himself with the bat. England on the other hand have Joe Root to thank for their revival, inspiring them chase down South Africa’s total of 229. With such power houses on display, Vishal Mehra has a look at some of the fierce combat that might add fuel to the already lit fire under their belly.
Joe Root vs Samuel Badree: Joe Root has been England’s Virat Kohli — Amassing runs at his own merry ways so far in this tournament. Root inspired England on the path to glory after scathing South Africa’s bowler in successfully chasing down 229. To Root’s credit he has had contributions from other batsmen unlike Kohli, who has solely carried the weight of India’s batting. Samuel Badree, has been a ideal replacement for Sunil Narine carrying the spinning responsibilities for the West Indies. Badree so far has picked 7 wickets at an miserly economy of 5.68. Given his performance against India, Root will find it tough to nudge him for runs. Root in the T20 World Cup has shown how well he plays spin, hence the spar with Badree will be a mouth-watering show.
Andre Russell vs Jos Buttler: Andre Russell has been the go to bowler for West Indies in this T20 World Cup. Russell has presented himself at crucial moments during the final overs, so far picking up 8 wickets with at an economy rate on a higher side at 8.40. Russell’s pace variation has been a boon for them, knowing Eden Gardens better than most players because of his association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will only help him against England. Jos Buttler has been a revelation for England. Buttler has has a phenomenal strike rate of 158.16, making him one the most feared batsmen in the death overs to bowl at.
Ben Stokes vs Dwayne Bravo: Ben Stokes has been the most effective bowler in this edition of T20 World Cup, bowling as many as 50 per cent dot balls in the overs 16 to 20, which by far is the best by any bowler. Dwayne Bravo on the other hand, is a smart bowling, allowing no pace for the batsmen to hit runs in the final overs, with his well disguised slow balls. Stokes and Bravo have abilities to clear the fence at any given moment but have not been particularly impressive with bat in hand. This surely will be the battle of death bowling bowlers.
Moeen Ali vs Lendl Simmons: Moeen Ali has been one of the most underrated bowler, being constantly taken to the cleaners by batsmen. But his wicket-taking abilities have come in handy, having picked up 5 wickets in the tournament so far. Moeen was a game changer in tie against Afghanistan with bat and ball. Lendl Simmons on the other is the currently the most talked about West Indies player among Indian fans. Simmons, who a few days back sitting idle back home, has now become this superstar within his team . Given that Simmons was dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin off a no-ball, could be troubled with the spin of Moeen at Eden Gardens.
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