ICC World Cup 2019 – Match 39: SL vs WI – Windies Predicted Playing XI

Windies were knocked out of the tournament after the embarrassing 125-run loss to India in their last game. Despite knowing that there is no chance for them to make it through, the side has got two games still to play. They will be playing relatively weaker oppositions, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, in their remaining matches.

While winning these games will make no difference, they can still look to play the party-spoilers. If they manage to win against the Lankans, the team will be knocked out of the tournament as well. In their last few games, Windies might fancy giving a few chances to some of the players who warmed the bench thus far.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for Windies

Openers (Chris Gayle, Sunil Ambris)

There are just two more World Cup games left for Chris Gayle and the fans would hope that he’d explode in these match. The ‘Universe Boss’ has been one of the finest players for the Windies ever but hasn’t had a great time in this tournament. Gayle has blown hot and cold in the tournament and hasn’t been able to impact the results of the games.

The veteran cricketer has got to step up and help his team finish the tournament on a high. Sunil Ambris will continue to open the innings with Gayle. Playing his first World Cup game against India, he did a decent job in the last match and will look to do better in the upcoming match.

Middle Order (Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer)

Shai Hope seems to be a slight concern. He is either getting big scores at a slow pace or is getting out early. Hope has been one of the most bankable players for his team of late. The wicketkeeper-batsman should be more selective with his shots and must look to rotate the strike more often.

Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer are doing a good job at four and five. These two youngsters have played sensible cricket and made valuable contributions to the team. However, that hasn’t been sufficient and they need to do better to put the team in a good situation.

All Rounders (Jason Holder (c), Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen)

Jason Holder bowled his quota of 10 overs for the first time in the previous encounter. He did a fair job and even bagged the most prized scalp of Virat Kohli. That performance will surely boost his morale and he will want to follow that up with another impressive show. Carlos Brathwaite could be used in a better way to bowl in the middle overs.

There weren’t any special heroics from him in the last game with the bat. He’s got to make up for it soon. Fabian Allen is likely to get another opportunity. He bowled in good areas against India but couldn’t get any wickets. Windies might even look to open the bowling with him to save some bowlers for the death.

Bowlers (Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas)

Kemar Roach found some form back and returned with a three-wicket haul in his last outing. That is a massive positive for the Windies given his experience and what he brings to the table. Sheldon Cottrell, as usual, has maintained his consistency and has done a great job.

Oshane Thomas, though, has proved to be a massive disappointment. After the impressive start in the tournament, he has drifted away and hasn’t been anywhere near his best. His bowling average in the last five outings is 189 and has managed to pick up only 1 wicket.