West Indies Tri-Series final: Battles within a battle
India went past Sri Lanka without much difficulty after the Lankans collapsed to 96 all out which threw the West Indians out of the tournament and allowed India to go through to the finals of the Tri-nation tournament in the Caribbean islands.
Indians after getting off to a slow start in the tournament got back really well to book their place in the finals, especially after losing Mahendra Singh Dhoni early on in the tournament which sets up the final between the two sub-continental giants.
Here is a look at the battles to watch out for when India takes on Sri Lanka in the final of the Tri-nation tournament at Queen's Park Oval.
Shikhar Dhawan vs Malinga
Lasith Malinga has it in him to trouble the best of players with his variation and change of pace, slipping in the odd short one every now and then. Shikhar Dhawan must be well aware of that but he himself comes across as a bloke who likes to take on the bowlers and it would not be much of a surprise if he goes after Malinga right from the word go to break his rhythm—a contest worth waiting for.
Virat Kohli vs Kulasekara
Virat Kohli must be oozing with confidence after his side went through to the finals and will be waiting for his opportunity to go out there and bat. Coming back from a century against West Indies Kohli seems to be in very good nick and would be looking to lead from the front. Kulasekara on the other hand might have other ideas as he would be trying to send the Indian captain packing and pick up early wickets with the new ball. Can Kulasekara get the better off Kohli? Only time will tell.
Suresh Raina vs Senanayaka and Herath
Comes across as one of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball Suresh Raina would be looking to launch himself against the Srilankan spinners, Senanayaka and Herath, trying to unsettle them and stamping his dominance over the proceedings. Senanayaka and Herath would be looking to keep things tight and build up pressure which can lead to a wicket or two. A good contest is on the cards for the viewers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Upul Tharanga
Upul Tharanga seems to be in good nick and would be looking to cash in when the moment comes in the final. Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the other hand has been in tremendous form with the ball in hand and has given early break-throughs in almost every match for the Indians. Can he repeat the same or will Tharanga come in the way we will have to wait and see.
Umesh Yadav vs Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara has bailed the Lankans out of trouble on numerous occasions and so far has been one of the main stays of Sri Lankan batting in the tournament. Sanga would be looking to go after Umesh Yadav early on to kick start the Sri Lankan innings. Yadav, on the other hand, has the ability to surprise the batsman with pace and bowls a heavy ball. It can be difficult at times to get him away which makes it an interesting contest between bat and ball.
R Ashwin vs Jayawardena
Known as one of the best players of spin bowling, Mahela Jayawardena will have his work cut out against the Indian spinner Ravi Chandran Ashwin. Ashwin has the variation required to fox a batsman and Jayawardena, with his experience must be aware of it. It will be interesting to see who stays on top in the finals.
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