WI look to contain India’s firepower

Winner almost certain to book one of two semi-final berths from Group B.

LONDON:

West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo is confident of containing India’s batting firepower when the two sides meet in a key Champions Trophy match at the Oval today.

The winner is almost certain to take one of the two semi-final berths from Group B after both teams won their opening games, albeit in contrasting fashion.

India, the reigning World Cup champions, brushed aside injury-hit South Africa by 26 runs in Cardiff after an impressive batting display saw them post a commanding 331 for seven.

The West Indies shot Pakistan out for 170 at the Oval on Friday, but then showed their vulnerability while batting as they lost eight wickets chasing the modest target.

All-rounder Bravo, who replaced Darren Sammy as One-Day International (ODI) captain ahead of the tournament, said the close result did not worry him as his side prepared to face the in-form Indians.

“We came out on top and that’s more important,” said Bravo. “It does not matter if you lose eight or nine wickets, we got the two points that we wanted.”

“[Now] it’s another tough game against a team whose strength lies in their batting. But we have the right bowlers to control their batting.

“India could turn up on Tuesday [today] and be knocked over, or score a big total again as they normally do.

“I have the right attack if I want to go with someone with raw pace. I have the reserve bench that is strong enough to actually come up with the 11 that I think will do well against the Indians.”



But West Indies will miss wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin, who was fined 100% of the applicable match fee, and suspended for two ODIs.

The sanctions were passed after he was found guilty of a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the match against Pakistan on Friday.

Spot-fixing row not a bother, says India’s Dhoni

On the other hand, India captain MS Dhoni insisted his Champions Trophy squad was not distracted by the spot-fixing row back home.

Dhoni, preparing for today’s match against West Indies, said the entire squad was staying away from the ongoing controversy.

“We don’t read newspapers, so whatever is happening back home is happening back home,” he said. “We just practise and play to the best of our abilities.

“Those are things in our control and helps to improve our game.”

And now keeping their focus solely on the game, Dhoni knows the bowlers will have to deliver against a line-up that includes match-winning batsmen like Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Kieron Pollard.

“The Gayle factor will always be there,” said Dhoni. “He is an individual who has a big impact on the game. It’s always good to get him out early.

“With a new ball at either end, overcast conditions and a bit of help from the wicket, our fast-bowlers will have a fair chance to get him.

“If you don’t get batsmen like Gayle out early, most likely he will take you out of the game.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2013.