Kolkata does not do low-key when India are in town. By Sunday evening, Eden Gardens will be a theatre. A semi-final spot is on the line, the stands will be packed hours before the toss, and both India and the West Indies know there is no margin for hesitation.
Both India and the West Indies have great records here. The Windies are yet to lose here in Kolkata. Meanwhile, India have won their last seven T20Is at Eden Gardens, with their only loss here coming back in 2011. So, technically, both teams don’t know how to lose at Eden Gardens.
IND vs WI: What will Eden Gardens pitch offer?
The surfaces used in this tournament at Eden have been true and hard, with very little assistance for bowlers once the new ball loses its shine. The square boundaries measure 62m and 64m, straight down the ground is 75m, and the outfield is quick. If batters get set, they can cash in heavily.
A first-innings total under 190 could feel unsafe. Both teams have the muscle to target 200 and beyond. The West Indies have been the biggest six-hitting side in this World Cup, and India are not far behind. If conditions remain similar to the previous matches here, bowlers can’t do anything without accuracy.
Pace vs Spin – Eden Gardens
| Bowling Type | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 5 | 44 | 17.2 | 13.4 | 7.65 |
| Spin | 5 | 31 | 26.35 | 18 | 8.78 |
Pace has clearly been more effective. The ball has come on nicely, and seamers who hit hard lengths have been rewarded. Spinners have had to work harder, especially when batters attack from ball one. One bowler who will be under the spotlight is Varun Chakaravarthy, who hasn’t performed well in the last two games. However, he returns to his IPL home. At Eden Gardens, Chakaravarthy has a special record of 33 wickets at an average of 22.75.
There is no forecast of rain, which removes one variable from what is already a tense equation. The only way India’s qualification gets hurt without losing is through weather. That does not seem likely on a warm Kolkata evening.
