The Analyst believes whichever of two evenly-matched teams displays the most 'cool ruthlessness' in the cauldron of Kolkata will prevail
Sunday’s World T20 final could be a display of brutal hitting, the like of which has never been seen before.
Both England and West Indies have several batsmen of colossal range and power and the teams are averaging seven sixes per match – the most of any sides in the tournament.
Interestingly, however, England’s run rate in their five matches – 8.45 per over – is considerably better than West Indies’ 7.27.
But statistics will mean little in front of 70,000 spectators with a world title and $1.1m at stake.
It will be about skill and calmness and the ability to be precise – with a shot or a delivery or a catch – under intense pressure.
The West Indies are naturally more exuberant and excitable – witness their celebrations after their dramatic run chase against India in Mumbai.
That is not necessarily ideal in the cauldron of a final at Eden Gardens where cool ruthlessness will prevail.
West Indies proved to everyone on Thursday, and most importantly to themselves, that they are not a one-man team.
Chris Gayle failed and yet they finished up chasing 192 with something to spare. The hitting of Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons – straight off the plane from Trinidad – was astonishing.
The ageing left hander is becoming vulnerable to a fast in-swinger early on, but, given that he has made 422 runs in eight IPL innings in Kolkata at a strike rate of 168, you can’t discount England suffering another Gaylestorm.
England’s bowlers are sharper and far more confident than they were when Gayle launched them for 100 off 47 balls two weeks ago, however, and have the added benefit of the knowledge of Trevor Bayliss who coached the Kolkata Knight Riders to triumph in the IPL.
Their bowling at the death in the last two games – with Chris Jordan and Ben Stokes shouldering that responsibility – was nerveless and clinical.
Their batting has to be equally so against the crafty Dwayne Bravo who will bowl two of the last four overs for the West Indies. He hasn’t got great support, though.
The toss is important. Although the Eden Gardens pitch is traditionally slow and low offering a hint of turn, the ball can slide onto the bat under lights.
Both teams will probably want to field first, knowing that they have the depth and strength of batting to chase anything.
The par score in the IPL here is 167, but neither side will feel comfortable with less than 190.
Overall the West Indies have more brute strength, but England are fitter with less suspect fielders (one to the West Indies’ three).
They have more inventive batsmen who can manufacture shots and convert ones into twos and more swift fielders who can prevent the opposition doing the same.
Essentially it is West Indies power against English speed and finesse.
It will be a humdinger of a final won by the batsman, or bowler, who holds his nerve at the critical moment.
Looking at the way England have steadily improved during the tournament, and their array of strikers, my money is on them.
But April Fools’ weekend is not a good day for betting.
READ: Simon Hughes: The intensity and relentlessness of modern cricket is a problem
