India must “be brave with the bat” in their winner-takes-all ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights clash against the West Indies cricket team, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Saturday.
The decisive encounter at Eden Gardens will determine which team advances to the semi-finals, with both sides having beaten Zimbabwe but lost to South Africa in Group 1.
High-scoring battle expected
India head into Sunday’s showdown buoyed by a commanding 256-4 against Zimbabwe — their most complete batting display of the tournament so far.
Opener Abhishek Sharma found form with his first half-century of the competition after enduring three consecutive ducks in the group stage.
Ten Doeschate believes the pitch in Kolkata will favour batters.
“The surface looks pretty good, so it could be a high-scoring game,” he said.
“You have to be brave with the bat to maintain a high strike rate and high intensity throughout.”
The West Indies, known for their explosive hitting, have smashed 66 sixes in the tournament — the most by any team — while India sit just behind with 63.
Straight shootout
With around 68,000 fans expected at Eden Gardens, the atmosphere is set to be electric. The match is effectively a knockout — the loser exits the tournament.
India are aiming to keep the defence of their 2024 T20 World Cup crown alive, while the West Indies seek a return to the semi-finals for the first time since winning their second title in Kolkata a decade ago.
The winner is likely to face England cricket team in the semi-finals in Mumbai on Thursday.
The final will be held in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
