Shimron Hetmyer's smoky batting, 'a message from the West Indies' and the risk of 'game over' for India

 Shimron Hetmyer's smoky batting, 'a message from the West Indies' and the risk of 'game over' for India

 

On Monday, Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium witnessed West Indies' smoky batting against Zimbabwe. The rain of sixes and fours delighted the spectators present in the field.

Among those who enjoyed the West Indies' batting were also Indian cricket fans, but perhaps they did not realize that every four and six from West Indies is making India's path forward in the T20 World Cup more difficult.

West Indies scored 254 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. This is the second highest score in the history of T20.

Before this, Sri Lanka scored 260 runs for 6 wickets against Kenya in 2007.

West Indies won by a huge margin of 107 runs and this has made it very difficult for India to reach the semi-finals.

Group One of the Super Eight stage includes the teams of India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies.

All four teams have played one match each. While West Indies and South Africa have achieved victories, India and Zimbabwe have suffered defeats. West Indies are at the top of the group with a net run rate of 5.35.

The road for India has now become very difficult.

The net run rate game has made India's path very difficult.

Now it is very important for them to win both their matches against West Indies and Zimbabwe, but just doing that will not work. If other results also come in India's favor, then it will be a matter of time.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra says: 'Now India can reach the semi-finals only if South Africa beats West Indies in the match to be held in Ahmedabad.'

'But if South Africa loses, then we will have to pray that Zimbabwe also beats South Africa. Because if such a situation arises that India, West Indies and South Africa, all three win two matches each, then there will be no chance left for India. Because India is very far behind in terms of net run rate.'

Cricket experts believe that although the Zimbabwean team has played well in this tournament, it will still be difficult for Zimbabwe to beat South Africa.

Similarly, given the current form of the West Indies, it will not be easy for South Africa to defeat them either.

West Indies team's message

The West Indies team has dominated the entire tournament.

They have defeated Scotland by 35 runs, England by 30 runs, Nepal by 9 wickets, Italy by 42 runs and Zimbabwe by 107 runs.

Cricket expert Harsha Bhogle wrote on X: 'The West Indies team is giving a very strong message to everyone.'

Sports analyst Sundaresan writes on X: 'Have West Indies suddenly become the favourites for the title? The reason for this is not only their style of playing as a six-hitting group but also the brilliant partnership with the ball of their two spinners which has been outstanding so far.'

Sports journalist Vikrant Gupta wrote on X: 'India must win the matches against West Indies and Zimbabwe. Also, if South Africa defeats West Indies, India will qualify for the semi-finals. But if all three teams win two matches, India is so far behind in net run rate that it will have to be eliminated from the tournament.

The point is that if West Indies beat South Africa, the risk of a 'game over' for India will increase significantly.

That is, even if India wins its remaining two matches of the Super Eights, it will still have to depend on the results of the other matches.