West Indies' defence of their T20 World Cup title has got off to a rocky start. After two losses in two games, they find themselves bottom of the Group 1 table. Ahead of them are Bangladesh, who also have no wins in two matches, but have a better net run rate.
Another loss for either team will bring a premature end to their hopes of finishing in the top two of the group and progressing to the semi-finals.
West Indies' concern going into this do-or-die clash is that their dangerous batting attack has failed to fire. They were bundled out for 55 against England, then limped to 143 against South Africa. The conditions in the UAE have not suited their style of attacking play. That they had to bat first in both matches didn't help, especially since they prefer to chase.
Teams have targetted them with spin early, and Bangladesh, who have an excellent spin attack, will be a threat. Given Bangladesh's left-arm dominated attack, batters like Nicholas Pooran, who match up well against it, might have an important role to play.
Bangladesh, whose T20 style is almost the opposite of the West Indies' six-hitting formula, are also struggling in the UAE. They have been unable to put in a complete performance to take them across the line. The Powerplay, which has proved to be crucial in the tournament, has not been their strongest period.
It is a quick turnaround for them after the game against England, where they were restricted to 124/9.
The teams have faced off 12 times in the format, with honours pretty even. West Indies have won six and Bangladesh five.
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