The host India was blown away by the Windies in the first match of the ODI series. After winning the T20I contests by 2-1, India had confidence that the Men in Blue will take on Caribbeans, but the latter decimated the former with their masterclass performance. The visitors overhauled India's target in Chennai, taking the 1-0 ODI lead. The 2nd ODI match will be played on December 18 at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vishakhapatnam. This 50-overs fixture will set in motion at 1:30 PM IST. The southpaw batsmen have already upped their game and established their dominance in the ODI with their convincing eight-wicket win. Now all eyes are on the second face-off of the 3-match rubber.
Team West Indies
With such solid performances by Shimron Hetmyer (a blistering knock – 139 runs from 106 balls) and Shai Hope (102 from 151 balls), the visitors registered their victory. If they continue to retain their form, they could claim a compelling series win. However, Windies players were not so impressive and overshadowed by Hetmyer and Shai's praiseworthy partnership.
Probable Playing XI
West Indies: Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Sunil Ambris, Sheldon Cottrell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Hayden Walsh, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Romario Shepherd.
Team India
On the other hand, India needs to make a few amendments, taking their flaws into consideration. India's top order failed to give their best as opener Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had an off day. Moreover, the fielding concerns are ruining India's performance and the team needs to be considerate about this factor. With the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar, the bowling unit appears to be strong. The players to watch out in this match are Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, who managed to score into the 70s. In simple words, it is a do-or-die clash for Indian team to put an end to their struggle against West Indies and bag their first series victory.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli (c), Kedar Jadhav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Mayank Agarwal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The weather is likely to be good as the temperature will be around 27 degree Celsius during daytime. But in the evening, it may get hazy and light drizzle can be expected. The pitch will pose a great challenge to the batsmen as the field assists spinners and the ball does not bounce much. As per the previous pitch records, the team batting second have landed in trouble, struggling to post even 80 runs on the board.
Also Read: STAR SENSATION LABUSCHAGNE JOINS SQUAD FOR INDIA ODIS; SIDDLE RETURNS FOR BOXING DAY TEST
Key Players
India
Rishabh Pant
Shreyas Iyer
West Indies
Shai Hope
Shimron Hetmyer
