World T20 2016 Final Preview: Windies take on a rejuvenated England in a fascinating summit clash

England brought one of the least experienced squads to India but have defied expectations and entered the final of the World T20 2016 in fine style after trashing the in-form New Zealand in the semi-final. Their opponents will be familiar foes, a West Indies team who beat them in the first match of the Super 10 stage and also favourites and hosts India in a tense clash in Mumbai.

England:

After being hammered in the opening match by West Indie, England have pulled matches against South Africa, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka back from the brink before turning in a near perfect game in the semi-final with New Zealand. 10 of the England players in this tournament had never played a single international fixture in the country, yet their fearless approach has paid rich dividends and made everyone take notice. The team is expected to continue with this approach in the all-important match as well.

Jason Roy, Joe Root, Jos Buttler all coming in and playing good knocks at crucial junctures and will once again be the key men in the batting order. Skipper Eoin Morgan will also be looking forward to producing the goods on a big stage. Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali have been the key for England in the middle overs and their contest against the big-hitting West Indians may just determine the outcome of the match. Ben Stokes hasn’t fired with the bat, however, has done a brilliant job with the ball and will want to make a telling contribution in this high-profile match.

West Indies:

The 2012 World T20 champions are not all about Chris Gayle. In an incredible display of power hitting, the likes of Johnson Charles, Lendl Simmons, and Andre Russell proved the depth and talent that the team possesses. If their batsmen get on the roll, they are hard to stop as was the case in the previous match. Skipper Darren Sammy and Marlon Samuels are to perform in big matches and England will be wary of them.

Gayle’s record in major finals has been disappointing and he will be eager to rectify it on a pitch that should encourage his style of play. Samuel Badree and the big Sulieman Benn have bowled brilliantly in the competition and will be crucial to their team’s chances again. Dwayne Bravo has been outstanding with his change of pace while Russell and Carlos Braithwaite have also bowled well. If the bowlers can do a good job, the Windies might prove too strong for England.

Form guide: (last five completed matches, most recent first)

England:  WWWWL

West Indies:  WLWWW

Pitch and Conditions:

The Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata is expected to be a good one for batting. It may offer some turn, however, should generally encourage stroke play. Both teams are strong in the batting department and should relish the conditions on offer.

Probable XI-

England:

Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Chris Jordan.

West Indies:

Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dinesh Ramdin (wk), Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn.

Stats:

1. The World T20 2016 final will be Chris Gayle’s 50th T20 internationals.

2. Jos Buttler needs 20 more to complete 1000 T20I runs.