It's R Ashwin versus Chris Gayle at Wankhede

Mumbai: Immaterial how their inconsistent middle order performs, West Indies’ fortunes to make it to the ICC World Twenty20 final will largely depend on who enjoys an upper hand in the Chris Gayle versus Ravichandran Ashwin contest at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

While the Jamaican hits sixes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Indian off-spinner is currently at peak of his bowling powers. The Mumbai wicket, although treats batsmen with far more love, the true bounce it offers will please Ashwin and company.

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Although Gayle was at his imperious best when West Indies last played a game at the venue, he has a rather below-par showing after a match-winning unbeaten hundred against England.

The last time West Indies played at Wankhede, Gayle, who was at his imperious best, tormented the English bowling attack. The swashbuckling left-hander had then smashed 11 towering sixes, including three in off-spinner Moeen Ali’s over.

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However, Gayle may alter his plans as he faces Ashwin. Not that Gayle had changed his batting style or he, like David Warner, is asked to bat down the order.  It has more to do with Gayle’s struggle with quality off-spinners; especially against Ashwin, who had dismissed the West Indian four times in nine T20 appearances across competitions.

It won’t be far off to say that Gayle, despite his pre-match talk of taking on Ashwin, may not imply his ‘whack a ball’ approach against a much-improved Tamil Nadu offie who thrives on challenges.

But while Gayle-Ashwin battle promises to be a fascinating contest, the game of cricket has the uncanny knack of an anti-climax.