There are matches that shape tournaments, and then there are matches that define them, and Sunday’s clash between India and West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata falls squarely into the latter category. The face-off has been labelled a “virtual quarterfinal,” because one semifinal spot remains in Group 1. Both India and West Indies are in contention with no second chances available. India kept their title defence alive with a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe in Chennai, which breathed life into their campaign. More importantly, it helped repair their Net Run Rate, which had been languishing at -3.800 before that victory.

On the other side, West Indies saw their momentum halted by the unbeaten South Africans. That loss not only dented their rhythm but also pulled them level with India on points. Both teams now sit with two points from two games. South Africa have already sealed their semifinal berth, and the final ticket from Group 1 will be stamped in Kolkata.

Looking at India, they had a turbulent start to the Super Eight stage; however, they have rediscovered their fluency at the right moment. The biggest positive for the team has been the resurgence of Abhishek Sharma. Following three consecutive ducks, the young opener responded emphatically in Chennai, blasting an explosive 30-ball 55 against Zimbabwe. The middle-order batters, too, rediscovered their bite, showing a visible return of attacking intent.

On the other hand, West Indies come armed with raw power. Their batting lineup is the most explosive in the competition, carrying a fearless boundary-hitting intent. Their attacking skills were on full display against South Africa. Reduced to 83 for 7, but the lower order counterattacked brilliantly to push the score to a competitive 176 for 8. Moreover, their towering 254 for 6 against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament was a statement innings.

Head-to-head

Matches - 30

IND won - 19

WI won - 10

No result - 1

IND possible XI: Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

WI possible XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (c&wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde