It has been smooth sailing for India so far. They've kept their unblemished record against Pakistan in the World Cup and broken their jinx against South Africa with a thumping 130 run victory inside a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground, not to mention the third easy encounter against the United Arab Emirates.
As the Indian team readies to take on the West Indies at the WACA. Ground in Perth when the country will be celebrating Holi on March 6, it is time to remind ourselves that four years ago also India ended up playing and beating them on Holi, in Chennai.
This day-night encounter will be the eight World Cup meeting between the two sides. At the moment, India have a 4-3 lead, including the all important, historic win in the final of the 1983 tournament at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
While the most recent World Cup encounter between the two was in Chennai during the 2011 World Cup, their first World Cup match was during the 1979 event in England. India and West Indies matches have always been exciting to watch, even for the neutrals, and with Chris Gayle hitting a double century and Virat Kohli hitting a century against arch-rivals Pakistan, there is a lot to look forward to. Indian fast-bowler Mohammed Shami has been declared fit and is available for selection while the other pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was seen with a heavily-strapped ankle.
India has so far played three matches against Pakistan, South Africa and the UAE and won all three. West Indies has so far garnered mixed results with wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe but a thumping loss against South Africa and a shock upset against Ireland.
To anticipate what may happen on Friday, let's revisit the past seven encounters.
Edgbaston, Birmingham (1979)
In this 60-over encounter, India were no match for a formidable West Indian line-up with one of the best bowling attacks the world has ever seen. Being put into bat, India started on the back foot when they lost 3 wickets for under 50 runs including the much prized scalp of Sunil Gavaskar. As the innings progressed, only Gundappa Viswanath held on while everyone around him tumbled including Kapil Dev. India finished with 190, which the West Indies chased with ease, losing only one wicket.
Old Trafford, Manchester (1983)
This was the first time the two teams met during this World Cup that would go on to be historic for India. On a hot summer English day, India were, as in 1979, asked to bat first. This time, with a stronger line-up, India, armed with Yashpal Sharma's 89, scored 262 for the loss of 8 wickets in their 60 overs. Roger Binny and Ravi Shashtri took three wickets each and ensured India won by 34 runs.
Kennington Oval, London (1983)
West Indies once again won the toss but this time chose to bat. Vivian Richards led the team with a mammoth 119 (at that time, a century wasn't as common in ODIs) and West Indies finished with 282. The downfall of India's innings began when Dilip Vengsarkar retired hurt with the score on 89 for 2. India lost wickets at regular intravals and ended up losing by 66 runs.
Lord's London (1983)
India proved to be third-time lucky in this most important encounter of the World Cup 1983. India again lost the toss and were put in to bat first. Scoring a modest 183, India thought they had no chance. West Indies were 66 for 3 with one eye on the trophy that they had won in 1975 and 1979. India though didn't give up without a fight and had the West Indies suddenly reeling at 76-6, eventually winning by 43 runs.
Basin Reserve, Wellington (1992)
India finally won a toss in a World Cup match against West Indies and chose to bat first. India started well and were 115-2 at one stage before collapsing and ending at 197 all out. West Indies had no problems chasing it down and winning by 5 wickets. Even a little bit of rain during the match couldn't help India.
Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior (1996)
This World Cup was jointly held by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and this match between India and West Indies took place in the picturesque Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior. West Indies retained their toss mojo and chose to bat first. India with Manoj Prabhakar and Anil Kumble took wickets at regular intervals and limited West Indies to 173. In the chase, Sachin Tendulkar scored 70 runs and helped India to a comfortable five wicket victory.
India vs West Indies World Cup 1996 Group Match... by ptvsportshighlights
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai (2011)
In the most recent encounter, India won the toss but Tendulkar got out on the last ball of the first over and India were on the back foot. A brilliant 122 run partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli helped India recover and post a challenging 268 runs. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh along with Yusuf Pathan tore into the West Indies batsmen one by one and helped India win by a margin of 80 runs.
ICC Cricket World Cup India v West Indies at... by Imediastuff
India may not be winning the toss count but they are leading the World Cup encounters 4-3. Can India keep up the momentum and increase their lead or will West Indies bring it back to a level 4 a piece?
As the Indian team readies to take on the West Indies at the WACA. Ground in Perth when the country will be celebrating Holi on March 6, it is time to remind ourselves that four years ago also India ended up playing and beating them on Holi, in Chennai.
This day-night encounter will be the eight World Cup meeting between the two sides. At the moment, India have a 4-3 lead, including the all important, historic win in the final of the 1983 tournament at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
While the most recent World Cup encounter between the two was in Chennai during the 2011 World Cup, their first World Cup match was during the 1979 event in England. India and West Indies matches have always been exciting to watch, even for the neutrals, and with Chris Gayle hitting a double century and Virat Kohli hitting a century against arch-rivals Pakistan, there is a lot to look forward to. Indian fast-bowler Mohammed Shami has been declared fit and is available for selection while the other pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was seen with a heavily-strapped ankle.
India has so far played three matches against Pakistan, South Africa and the UAE and won all three. West Indies has so far garnered mixed results with wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe but a thumping loss against South Africa and a shock upset against Ireland.
To anticipate what may happen on Friday, let's revisit the past seven encounters.
Edgbaston, Birmingham (1979)
In this 60-over encounter, India were no match for a formidable West Indian line-up with one of the best bowling attacks the world has ever seen. Being put into bat, India started on the back foot when they lost 3 wickets for under 50 runs including the much prized scalp of Sunil Gavaskar. As the innings progressed, only Gundappa Viswanath held on while everyone around him tumbled including Kapil Dev. India finished with 190, which the West Indies chased with ease, losing only one wicket.
Old Trafford, Manchester (1983)
This was the first time the two teams met during this World Cup that would go on to be historic for India. On a hot summer English day, India were, as in 1979, asked to bat first. This time, with a stronger line-up, India, armed with Yashpal Sharma's 89, scored 262 for the loss of 8 wickets in their 60 overs. Roger Binny and Ravi Shashtri took three wickets each and ensured India won by 34 runs.
Kennington Oval, London (1983)
West Indies once again won the toss but this time chose to bat. Vivian Richards led the team with a mammoth 119 (at that time, a century wasn't as common in ODIs) and West Indies finished with 282. The downfall of India's innings began when Dilip Vengsarkar retired hurt with the score on 89 for 2. India lost wickets at regular intravals and ended up losing by 66 runs.
Lord's London (1983)
India proved to be third-time lucky in this most important encounter of the World Cup 1983. India again lost the toss and were put in to bat first. Scoring a modest 183, India thought they had no chance. West Indies were 66 for 3 with one eye on the trophy that they had won in 1975 and 1979. India though didn't give up without a fight and had the West Indies suddenly reeling at 76-6, eventually winning by 43 runs.
Basin Reserve, Wellington (1992)
India finally won a toss in a World Cup match against West Indies and chose to bat first. India started well and were 115-2 at one stage before collapsing and ending at 197 all out. West Indies had no problems chasing it down and winning by 5 wickets. Even a little bit of rain during the match couldn't help India.
Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior (1996)
This World Cup was jointly held by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and this match between India and West Indies took place in the picturesque Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior. West Indies retained their toss mojo and chose to bat first. India with Manoj Prabhakar and Anil Kumble took wickets at regular intervals and limited West Indies to 173. In the chase, Sachin Tendulkar scored 70 runs and helped India to a comfortable five wicket victory.
India vs West Indies World Cup 1996 Group Match... by ptvsportshighlights
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai (2011)
In the most recent encounter, India won the toss but Tendulkar got out on the last ball of the first over and India were on the back foot. A brilliant 122 run partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli helped India recover and post a challenging 268 runs. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh along with Yusuf Pathan tore into the West Indies batsmen one by one and helped India win by a margin of 80 runs.
ICC Cricket World Cup India v West Indies at... by Imediastuff
India may not be winning the toss count but they are leading the World Cup encounters 4-3. Can India keep up the momentum and increase their lead or will West Indies bring it back to a level 4 a piece?
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