Contest between two batting units | PunterPolls Prediction

It is a little surprising that these two sides, hugely popular among the expatriate population in England, haven't faced each other in an ODI in England in the last 30 years. When India last played West Indies in an ODI in England, ODI cricket and West Indies were the kings. India upset West Indies that afternoon, became the new kings of ODI cricket, and paved the way for a whole new commercial explosion in the format. Thirty years later, as they face off in England again, India are the world champions and the No. 1 ODI side, but the format itself is fighting for relevance, at least in popular discourse.

West Indies, knocked off their proud perch long ago, will like to believe they have begun the resurgence through Twenty20, the format that is supposed to be the premier limited-overs format. This Champions Trophy provides them a big opportunity to carry that resurgence into the ODIs. And if they can beat India, the only way to keep West Indies out of the semi-finals will be net run rate. The same holds for India, who can perhaps afford to lose more than West Indies because they will be playing last in the group.

These are teams built around batting might. The new regulations might have made India sacrifice one of the seven batsmen they loved to play, but they still rely on their batsmen, who racked up 331 against South Africa. West Indies' win might have come in a low-scoring game, but they played with just three specialist bowlers, with captain Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle left to share 20 overs between them. West Indies might add one bowler to the line-up, but it still remains a contest between the mighty batting units.

PunterPolls Prediction

When things are not in your favor, take a break. That's what we have done and didn't predicted about the last game between South Africa v Pakistan.

Anyhow we would like to predict today's. West Indies have some match winning players and if you have a look their performances specially in IPL you will find this very interesting. Bravo, Pollard, Sammy, Gayle, Rampaul and Narine key players of IPL teams Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers, Banglore and KKR are all playing from West Indies side and does know the Indians strategy a lot. They are playing as a unit and are in good form.

On the other side, Indians are looking unstoppable. They have played good in warm-up matches and have done exceptionally well against the South Africans in the opener (though I believe their inexperience in bowling cost the game). As both teams knows in and out of each teams, would be very interesting to see who will keep their head on the shoulders to beat the heat.

According to our experts, Indians are much stronger in terms of their performance and experience.