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With England securing the T20I series 3-0, the fourth match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia offers West Indies a chance to restore some pride. The hosts, who dominated the ODI series, have struggled in the shortest format, while England aims for a whitewash in the five-match series.
As the focus shifts to St. Lucia, understanding the pitch dynamics at this venue becomes crucial.
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Daren Sammy Stadium: Pitch Report and Playing Conditions
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium has been a balanced venue in T20Is, offering opportunities for both batters and bowlers. However, recent games, including the third T20I of this series, suggest a surface that is slow and challenging for free-scoring batting.
- Batting Conditions: Batters will need to apply themselves to accumulate runs, as the pitch tends to be sticky, making timing difficult. Scores in the range of 150-170 are often competitive here.
- Bowling Assistance: Both pacers and spinners can thrive, with bowlers who vary their pace likely to benefit the most. In the last 10 T20Is at this venue, pacers have claimed 66 wickets, while spinners have taken 55.
Pitch Stats at Daren Sammy Stadium
| Criteria | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 25 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 13 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 12 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 167 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 152 |
| Average Runs Per Over | 8.30 |
The stats indicate that teams batting first have a slight edge, and posting a total around the 170-mark could be decisive.
Key Players to Watch Out For
- Akeal Hosein (West Indies):
The left-arm spinner has been the standout bowler for the hosts, grabbing 4 wickets in the last match at this venue. On a surface expected to remain slow, Hosein’s variations could trouble the English batters again. - Liam Livingstone (England):
England’s in-form all-rounder has been the backbone of their success in the series. His 39-run knock in the third T20I guided England to victory. Livingstone’s adaptability and ability to clear boundaries make him a key player in these conditions.
Match Outlook
As the fourth T20I unfolds, the surface at St. Lucia is likely to keep the game competitive. West Indies will need to adapt quickly to the conditions to challenge England’s dominance, while the visitors will look to continue their winning streak and edge closer to a series sweep.
The toss could play a crucial role, with teams possibly favoring batting first to set a challenging target on this tricky wicket.
