England only just avoided a huge shock in their T20 World Cup opener and next face a much sterner test against West Indies, who cruised past Scotland in their first match.
England and West Indies are the two big names in Group C at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka and victory in Wednesday’s dust-up at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai would go a long way to sealing top spot.
England made hard work of justifying skinny odds in their curtain-raiser, limping to a four-run victory over Nepal, but have a dominant recent record against the Windies and are 2/5 to make it two wins from two.
West Indies have lost seven of their last eight T20 internationals against England but will be feeling in high spirits following their 35-run demolition of Scotland in their World Cup opener.
England v West Indies Selections
- West Indies to win @ 17/10
- Shimron Hetmyer top West Indies batter @ 3/1
- Jacob Bethell top England batter @ 15/4
Windies to rise to the challenge
There was a naivety in England’s approach against inferior opponents Nepal in Sunday’s opening assignment and they very nearly paid the price.
England needed Sam Curran to defend 10 from the final over to deny Nepal the biggest win in their cricketing history, and it suggests that West Indies should have little to fear given their wealth of firepower.
The Windies have an inconsistent profile and it is often boom or bust, but they warmed up for the T20 World Cup with a win over South Africa and can be devastating on their day.
A 35-run win over Scotland in their World Cup opener should have given confidence levels a lift and, with England’s aggressive approach sometimes leaving a lot to be desired, a shock is not out of the equation.
Tip 1: West Indies to win @ 17/10
Big-hitting Hetmyer has to be feared
The West Indies have a pretty destructive top order, led by openers Brandon King and captain Shai Hope, but Shimron Hetmyer may be the man to hog the headlines.
Hetmyer looked in fantastic touch in the win over Scotland, with his 64 coming off just 36 deliveries and featuring six maximums, and batting against spin has quickly become one of his strengths.
The 29-year-old has made 46 or more in five of his last seven T20 innings and he should be keen to put an underwhelming record against England firmly behind him.
Tip 2: Shimron Hetmyer top West Indies batter @ 3/1
Bethell may be coming to the boil
Explosive openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler have built up an excellent partnership over the years but their no-nonsense style makes early wickets possible and Jacob Bethell may be relied upon to steady the ship.
That was the case against Nepal, with Salt dismissed for one after just two deliveries, and Bethell rose to the challenge with his knock of 55 runs coming from 35 balls.
That contribution featured eight boundaries, four of which were maximums, and it showed the fluent Bethell to be in full working order.
Tip 3: Jacob Bethell top England batter @ 15/4
