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West Indies vs Australia, Tri-Nation Series 2016 Final at Barbados: Kieron Pollard vs Adam Zampa and other key clashes

West Indiea have sealed berth in final against Australia in Tri-Nation Series 2016 to be held at Barbados on Sunday.

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Steven Smith will be keen to retain the No.1 ranking for his side in ODIs © AFP
Steven Smith will be keen to retain the No.1 ranking for his side in ODIs © AFP

West Indies are set to lock horns against Australia in the final of Tri-Nation Series 2016 at Bridgetown, Barbados on Sunday. Out of the six games slotted for Australia and West Indies, both teams had hot-and-cold campaign, winning three matches each. South Africa looked strong contenders, until West Indies turned the tables around and ensured they entered the final on their home soil. West Indies’ all-round performance, despite the absence of big names such as Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo, helped them put up a commanding show. In hindsight, Australia also suffered huge blow with David Warner ruled out due to injury. Meanwhile, here are the possible clashes to be expected in tonight’s game: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: West Indies vs Australia, Tri-Nation Series 2016 Final at Brabados

Usman Khawaja vs Shannon Gabriel: In Warner’s absence, Khawaja brilliantly picked up the pace, ensuring the top-order provide the much needed foundation for the middle order. He played an innings of substance against South Africa in their first contest of the series, while his recent performance against the hosts was top-notch as well. This shows the havoc he can create at the top. Gabriel, on the other hand, picked up 4 wickets in 2 matches, and is brimming with confidence. The battles between these is sure to keep the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Steven Smith vs Sunil Narine: Smith was not at his best in the initial games, but he soon picked the pace and scored three half-centuries, including two against the hosts. Narine has the knack of running through the opposition’s batting line-up, as he took a match-winning 6-for in the tournament opener. Hence, Smith vs Narine will be a clash to watch out for. ALSO READ: WI vs AUS, Tri-Nation Series 2016 Final: Predictions and Preview

Glenn Maxwell vs Carlos Brathwaite: It’s the clash between the all-rounders. Both the players are hard-hitters and can be excellent when it comes to run-chasing. Maxwell has proved his worth after losing touch with the bat, and this time a lot will be expected out of him. Brathwaite might not have excelled with the bat but has surely grabbed wickets consistently to keep the game in favor of the hosts. It will be interesting to see who wins the battles of the all-rounders.

Mitchell Starc vs Johnson Charles: If there is anyone Charles needs to fear, it is Starc. Starc is back to his lethal best. He has already 8 wickets in this series in just two games, and one of the target in the previous games was Charles. Charles has not had a good time so far, and will be itching to prove his mettle in the final match. However, he will look to avenge the wicket of Starc and come out stronger in the final tie. As for Starc, he will continue his wicket-taking spells against the opener.

Kieron Pollard vs Adam Zampa: Pollard’s drawback has been spinners, and it was witnessed when he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon for a golden duck. But the way he has continued his form in crunch situations, even spinners looked helpless. Zampa, on the other hand, has the knack of getting the better of the hard-hitters. He is the leading wicket-taker, with 9 scalps in his kitty, and will surely want to make it a double digit, while Pollard will aim to continue the stellar show and shut the critics.

(Shruti Hariharan is Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)

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