Do-or-die for Windies

Rovman Powell
Rovman Powell

West Indies find themselves in a familiar situation, facing the distinct possibility of losing the T20 series heading into the final of the three-match series 1-1 against Bangladesh today.

The poor display by the boys from the Caribbean saw them losing both Test and One Day series.

They, however, found salvation with a commanding victory in the first T20I before collapsing to a 36-run defeat in the second match.

Shai Hope

The two-time World Champions of the format have been less than impressive with only a few individuals putting their hands up.

Rovman Powell’s half century in the last match showed his potential to take games by the scruff of the neck but he has not been given the support from the top order batsmen apart from Shai Hope who remains consistent throughout the tour.

Evin Lewis, who was recalled to the side will need to cash in big in the final outing having scored just 18 and one. Lewis will be expected to provide a stable partnership at the top with Hope to provide the platform for the likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran to come in and do some of their renowned big hitting.

But West Indies could be tempted to exclude the Trinidadian for 20-year-old Sherfane Rutherford who has built a reputation in the format across a number of leagues, resulting in him being snapped up by Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League draft.

Keemo Paul, like Hope has been consistent with the bat at the lower end of the order

Shakib Al Hasan

as well as a third-prong seamer to compliment Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell.

A lot will be on the shoulders of skipper, Carlos Brathwaite and Darren Bravo, the two most senior players in the side who have not yet come up with the performances expected from players of their calibre.

Contrastingly, Bangladesh look like a more settled side with their senior players stepping up led from the front by their captain, Shakib Al Hasan.

The top ranked all-rounder has chalked up 103 runs and nine wickets in the two outings. With the bat he has been supported by Mahmudullah and Linton Das both of whom found form in the last match. Mushfiqur Rahim has not yet fired but often does not go for long periods without a big score.

According to information from the ground, dew is expected to play a factor as the first ball bowls off from 07:00 hrs local time.