The highly anticipated 5th T20I between England and West Indies is set to take place on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. With the series currently standing at 3-1 in favor of England, West Indies will be eager to finish the series on a high note after their impressive victory in the 4th T20I. Let’s dive into the comprehensive match analysis including team previews, pitch conditions, weather updates, and predictions.
Match Details
- Match: WI vs ENG, 5th T20I, England tour of West Indies, 2024
- Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
- Time: 1:30 AM (Nov 18) Local Time / 6:30 AM GMT / 12:00 PM IST
- Venue: Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia
- Live Streaming: FanCode
Team Previews
West Indies Preview
West Indies made a strong comeback in the 4th T20I with a thrilling victory, chasing down a massive target of 219 with 5 wickets in hand. The openers Evin Lewis and Shai Hope set the stage with explosive starts, scoring 68 and 54 runs respectively. The skipper Rovman Powell played a crucial knock of 38 runs, while Sherfane Rutherford sealed the chase with a match-winning finish.
Key Performers:
- Rovman Powell: Leading from the front, Powell has accumulated 153 runs in the series so far, making him a key player for West Indies.
- Akeal Hosein: The top wicket-taker for West Indies in the series with 5 wickets, Hosein’s spin bowling could be crucial on the St. Lucia pitch.
- Evin Lewis & Shai Hope: Both openers have been in exceptional form, providing solid starts for the team in the powerplay.
West Indies Squad:
Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell (c), Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, Shamar Springer, Romario Shepherd, Terrance Hinds, Brandon King.
England Preview
England, despite their loss in the 4th T20I, has already secured the series with a 3-1 lead. Their batting lineup has been in scintillating form, particularly Philip Salt, who is the top run-scorer of the series with 162 runs. Jacob Bethell was the star performer in the last game, smashing a brilliant 62 off 32 balls. On the bowling front, Saqib Mahmood continues to impress with his pace, leading the wicket-tally with 9 wickets in the series.
Key Performers:
- Philip Salt: England’s most consistent batter, with quickfire runs at the top of the order.
- Saqib Mahmood: The top wicket-taker of the series with 9 wickets, Mahmood’s ability to strike early in the powerplay makes him a crucial asset.
- Jacob Bethell: His explosive innings in the last game shows his potential to turn the game around with the bat.
England Squad:
Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, John Turner, Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer, Michael-Kyle Pepper, Jordan Cox, Jafer Chohan, Adil Rashid.
Pitch Report
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, offers a balanced pitch that provides assistance to both batsmen and bowlers.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 165-175
- Pitch Behavior: Early assistance for pacers, but spinners could come into play as the pitch wears down. The surface offers decent bounce, which can be favorable for stroke-making in the powerplay overs.
- Score Prediction:
- If England Bat First: 170+
- If West Indies Bat First: 166+
Weather Report
The weather forecast for Gros Islet, St. Lucia looks favorable for a full game.
- Temperature: 27-29°C
- Humidity: 75%
- Rain Probability: 5%
- Conditions: Clear skies with minimal cloud cover and a light breeze.
Head-to-Head Stats
- Total T20Is Played: 34
- England Wins: 16
- West Indies Wins: 18
- No Result: 0
The West Indies hold a slight edge in their overall head-to-head record, but England has been the more dominant side in this series.
Winning Chances
- England: 66%
- West Indies: 34%
Given their form and depth in both batting and bowling, England are the favorites to win this match and finish the series with a 4-1 victory.
Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Predicted Winner: England Will Win
England’s well-balanced squad and consistent performance throughout the series give them the edge in this final T20I. With players like Jos Buttler, Philip Salt, and Saqib Mahmood in top form, they are likely to secure a win.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss might opt to bat first, considering the pitch’s tendency to slow down in the latter half, making it challenging for the chasing side.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain: Jos Buttler
- Vice-Captain: Evin Lewis
- Top Picks: Philip Salt, Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Rehan Ahmed
- Differential Picks: Shai Hope, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran
Suggested Fantasy XI:
- Jos Buttler (C)
- Evin Lewis (VC)
- Philip Salt
- Shai Hope
- Rovman Powell
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Liam Livingstone
- Akeal Hosein
- Sam Curran
- Rehan Ahmed
- Obed McCoy
Expect a thrilling finale as West Indies look to end the series on a high, while England aim to assert their dominance once again. Stay tuned for an exciting contest!
Disclaimer: The match predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage betting or gambling. Cricket is an unpredictable sport, and while our predictions are based on thorough analysis, there are no guarantees. Enjoy the game responsibly!