What to expect from the India-Sri Lanka-West Indies tri-series

Every match may make for an interesting finish considering the evenly balanced squads. Even as they square up against each other, each team has different points to prove to their critics, tasks that they would have set for themselves. The obvious one would be to win the cup, but each team is fresh and raw and they have a lot of team building to do. On that regard, I am listing out the key expectations by a fan from each team:

West Indies (Pride): It is a pretty straightforward answer since they play at home. West Indian cricket has been dwindling since the late nineties with the lack of consistency plaguing them for quite some time now. There are a lot of changes in the team set up and the new skipper would be anxious to prove his mettle. West Indies have not won a series against a top team for quite some time, and this could be the right time to set the records straight. They have nothing to lose frankly and one can expect them to attack with their complete arsenal as they have nothing to fight for but pride.

Sri Lanka (Revenge): It was the year 2008. After successfully bagging the Test series, Sri Lanka was up against Dhoni’s young brigade in an ODI series. People expected Sri Lanka to win the series hands down as most of the seniors from the Indian contingent were either dropped or injured. But Dhoni had other ideas as he and a handful of youngsters emerged triumphed against the Lankan lions, bagging the series 3-2. From then onwards, India has never given breathing space for the Lankans when it comes to a fifty over game. Be it the spectacular World cup final or the recent humiliation in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka have had it rough against India.

Therefore, it is time they would have decided enough is enough and would want to beat India and prove that they are no pushovers. Both the teams would know each other in and out as they constantly compete with each other. Therefore, the cards are out in the open and Sri Lanka would want to exact revenge for the kind of treatment they have been receiving at the hands of India. For them revenge against India would mean more than the cup!

India (Glory): The Indian cricket team is on a roll. After a successful ODI series against England and the Test series white wash against Australia, India have continued the momentum by winning the coveted Champions Trophy. With the form that they are in, they would consider the tri-series to be like a walk on the park, yet they should be wary of the opponents and complete the tasks successfully so as to continue with the winning momentum. The likes of Dinesh Karthik and Suresh Raina would be eager to prove their mettle to fancy their chances on the tour to South Africa. Therefore, India would be aiming more glory as they take the field on Friday.

The teams are evenly set, and though India is in great form, it is tough to predict the definite winner of this series. But what one can definitely expect is the hard battles, tight finishes and the pleasant West Indies flavour in hot and sunny conditions!