India vs West Indies 1st T20I Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

After a complete whitewash in the ODI series, a massive encounter is on the hands between India and West Indies in the first T20I at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The visitors have won their previous T20I series, which was against England, before coming to India and this is a format they have dominated for a long time. They have many all-rounders on the side and most of them found buyers in the IPL 2022 mega auction two days back.

India, meanwhile, have some of their regular players missing out and this will be a good chance for the youngsters to make a mark. KL Rahul’s niggle in the third ODI ruled him out of the T20I series and Ishan Kishan might get a look in after being benched for a long time. Washington Sundar’s injury brought back Kuldeep Yadav into the T20I side but India will be looking to go in with the young leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi who is yet to make his debut.

Match Details

India vs West Indies, 1st T20I

Venue: Eden Garden, Kolkata

Date & Time: 16th February at 07: 00 PM IST

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network

Pitch Report:

The Eden Gardens pitch has assisted the spinners really well over the years and a similar kind of impact is expected again this time in the first T20 international. This is not a high scoring ground, although the boundaries are shorter and the average first innings do depict how difficult is to defend here. The captain winning the toss will have no hesitation in fielding first considering the amount of due later towards the day.

Average Score: 148(8 T20I at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: won -5 lost -3 

Probable Playing XIs for IND vs WI

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur/ Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies

Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran(wk), Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard(c)/ Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Fabien Allen, Odean Smith, Akeal Hossein, Romario Shepherd, Sheldon Cottrell

IND vs WI Head to Head

Overall games -17, India -10, West Indies -6`, NR -1

Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter of this match – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma played a good knock in the first ODI against West Indies, but seemed to have faded off after that and was dismissed early in the next two innings. However, he has been in terrific touch and a big inning seems around the corner for him. The new skipper has four T20I centuries already and it won’t be a surprise if he makes it five in the first T20I.

Probable best bowler of the Match – Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel is expected to be picked for the first T20I as he has done well in the two games he has played for India and has a lot to offer the side in terms of death bowling and his wicket-taking abilities. He was recently picked up by RCB for a whopping INR 10.25 crore in the mega auction and still has a lot to prove in terms of his performances. He is a handy batter down the order and with not many spin all-rounders in the squad, he should get his chance.

Prediction: India is expected to win the first T20I

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.