West Indies vs Australia, 2021 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between WI vs AUS?

Preview  

After their 2-3 defeat at the hands of South Africa, West Indies are set to face Australia in a five-match T20I series. The opening match is set to take place on Friday, July 9 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

Based on the rankings, the visitors seem to be the clear favourites. The Aussies are ICC’s no.5 ranked T20I team even as the hosts are ranked ninth. Prior to the series, Justin Langer, the Aussies head coach, talked about experimenting with their lineup.

He focussed on the preparations for the T20 World Cup in the UAE later this year. Kieron Pollard, the home team’s captain also said that it’s tough for his team to work miracles overnight.

Match Details

Match – West Indies vs Australia – 1st match

Venue – Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Time – 05:00 AM IST (July 10), 07:30 PM local time (July 9)

Where to watch live – Fancode

Pitch Report

The pitch in St Lucia has been a sporting one for batting in the 13 matches played thus far. However, it has favoured the batting second and hence, chasing should be the way forward for both teams.

The Aussies won’t mind bowling first as well, as they have the required skills in their armoury. There will be clouds during match-time, but with minimum chances of rain.

Avg score:  157 (13 T20Is in St Lucia)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 8, Lost – 5, N/R – 0

Playing combination for WI vs AUS

West Indies

Predicted XI

Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Fidel Edwards, Obed McCoy

Bench: Andre Fletcher, Hayden Walsh Jr, Akeal Hosein, Oshane Thomas, Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Kevin Sinclair

Australia

Predicted XI

Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Josh Philippe, Ben McDermott, Moises Henriques/Ashton Agar, Daniel Christian, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood/Jason Behrendorff, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa

Bench: Ashton Turner, Daniel Christian, Alex Carey, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff/Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Moises Henriques/Ashton Agar

WI vs AUS Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 11 | West Indies – 6 | Australia – 5 | N/R – 0

In West Indies

Played – 4 | West Indies – 2 | Australia – 2 | N/R – 0

Probable best batsman of the match

Matthew Wade– Australia

Matthew Wade has had a decent time with the bat since the T20I series against India last year. He got scores of 58 and 80, looking in good touch.

Though with a top score of 44, he wasn’t at his very best against New Zealand, the left-hander can be expected to make a comeback. Wade has also been stupendous over the years for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Probable best bowler of the match

Mitchell Starc– Australia

Mitchell Starc has had his fair share of injury concerns over the last 12 months or so. The left-armer has picked up 47 wickets from 35 matches. He is the kind of bowler, who can bowl at any stage of matches and show his class.

The speedster will be looking to reach the 50-wicket mark in the next match itself. Lower down the order, Starc is also capable of churning out some lusty blows.

Today’s match prediction: Australia to win the match.

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.