India vs West Indies 1st T20 Preview & Tips - India's T20 side to brush past the West Indies

The West Indies edged to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their last T20, although this came back in mid-June. 

India have won six of their last 10 T20's against the West Indies, with the latter securing wins in the other four games. 

India Form

 

India arrive for their five-match Twenty20 series against the West Indies on the back of a battling 2-1 triumph in the One Day International game against the same opponent. 

Across the series, the pair exchanged massive scores, with India scoring 300 or more in all three matches, while both sides scored 400+ in the second ODI. While the chances of India getting anywhere near 400 runs is fanciful, the talent in their batting unit means they will be looking to surge to around 250+ in each outing. Whether they can consistently do this remains to be seen, but they will fancy their chances against an inconsistent opponent. 

The West Indies have struggled for consistency in the T20 game, with three of their last five ending in defeats to South Africa, India and Sri Lanka, while they have secured a pair of wins over Sri Lanka as they edged to a 2-1 series win over their opponents. 

While they did lose their ODI series to India, they should be buoyed by an impressive run-chase in the third ODI. Set 352 to win, the Windies surged to a five-wicket victory, with Shai Hope starring with 162 from 143. His exploits with the bat saw him smash 17 boundaries and three sixes in a superb innings. 

Hope will be crucial if the Windies are to challenge across the series, but he cannot do it all on his own. While the Windies will have their moments across the contest, I do not back them to win the opener.