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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is in full swing, and the Super 8s have all eight teams battling for a spot in the semifinals. This Friday features an exciting clash between co-hosts West Indies and the USA at Bridgetown. Both teams suffered defeats in their first Super 8 games, making this match a must-win for both. While the USA has been the surprise package of the tournament, the West Indies are still favored to win.
Team Previews
West Indies Preview West Indies faced an 8-wicket defeat against England in their first Super 8 game. Batting first on a good pitch at Gros Islet, they were restricted to 180-4 in 20 overs. England chased down the target with 15 balls to spare. This loss has likely served as a wake-up call for the West Indies, who had won all their matches before entering the Super 8 stage. Their batting lacked the usual aggression, and the fast bowlers struggled with their lines and lengths.
Predicted Playing XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell (c), Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
United States Preview The USA has reached the Super 8s in spectacular fashion, surprising many in the cricketing world. However, their journey will be challenging from here. They lost their first Super 8 game to South Africa by 18 runs. Chasing 195 for victory, they needed 28 off the last two overs but were held back by some tight bowling from Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
Predicted Playing XI: Steven Taylor, Andries Gous (wk), Nitish Kumar, Aaron Jones (c), Corey Anderson, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The pitch at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown is balanced, favoring batters slightly more. Spinners will find assistance as the surface tends to get slower. The weather is expected to be humid with a chance of passing showers, but a full game is anticipated.
Toss Prediction: Teams winning the toss are likely to bat first, as 19 of the 30 T20Is here have been won by the side batting first.
Winning Prediction
This will be the first T20I between West Indies and the USA. While the USA has shown remarkable character and could spring another surprise, the West Indies are expected to leverage their experience and home advantage. Unless their batters underperform dramatically, West Indies are likely to dominate this match and secure a thumping victory.
Prediction: West Indies to win.