India vs Windies 2018, 5th ODI, Thiruvananthapuram - Match Prediction

The series would on the line as India and Windies will battle it out in the fifth ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. The hosts have taken an unassailable lead of 2-1 in the series after four matches, with one ending in a tie. Therefore, the hosts will look to seal the series to bag their consecutive sixth bilateral series at home. On the other hand, Windies have punched above their weight in this series and would like to share it.

Thus, it would be an accomplishment for the visitors if they are able to upset the Indian juggernauts. The Windies were criticized for their performance in the Test series and it has been a fine performance from the tourists to push India on the backfoot.

Rohit Sharma played a classical knock in the previous match as India’s deputy batted at the top of his game. The flamboyant right-hander scored 162 off just 137 balls as he scored his runs in the topmost gear.

Furthermore, Ambati Rayudu was able to end India’s middle order drought. The right-hander scored his third ODI hundred to give assurance to the number four place. In fact, Rayudu has been consistently performing since coming into the ODI side. Rayudu had also scored two fifties in the Asia Cup and would like to continue with his good form.

On the other hand, Indian bowlers had delivered the goods in the previous match. They had skittled out the visitors for a paltry score of 153 and thus won by a colossal margin of 224 runs. Khaleel Ahmed bowled his heart out and scalped three wickets after conceding only 13 runs in his five overs. Thus, Ahmed’s performance was a shot in the arm for the Indian team.

Meanwhile, the Windies were not able to put a better performance in the last match. In fact, the tourists have done well in the first three ODIs of the series. Hence, they would like to come back with a better show in the final ODI of the series.

Shimron Hetmyer has been a big positive for the visitors and Shai Hope has also struck back his form. Therefore, the onus will be on these two batsmen to once again come good. However, Windies experienced batsman Marlon Samuels hasn’t found his form. Hence, the right-hander will like to finally come up with a defining performance in the final ODI.

India’s Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Jasprit Bumrah.

Windies Predicted XI: Kieran Powell, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope (wk), Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovmann Powell, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Devendra Bishoo, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach.

Match Prediction: India will definitely go as red hot favorites and Windies will have to play out of their skin to trouble Men in Blue. The hosts will look to repeat their Mumbai performance where they completely outplayed the visitors.