Weather poised to disrupt second ODI

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Rain could once again play a decisive role in the second One-Day International of the five-match series between West Indies and India set to bowl off here Sunday.

The forecast has predicted overnight showers along with heavy rain and possible thundershowers on

Sunday, putting in doubt the prospect of a full 50overs aside contest at Queen’s Park Oval.

Friday’s opener at the venue was cut short after just over 39 overs of the first innings, as heavy rain wrecked the game and forced a no-result.

Both players and officials will therefore be keeping an eye on the weather as they look to kick start a series which holds huge value for West Indies especially.

The hosts are chasing valuable ratings points to enhance their position in the ICC One-Day International rankings, in order to qualify automatically for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019.

West Indies are currently ranked ninth on 77 points and need to be in the top eight by the cut off date of September 30.

Failing that, the twotime former World champions will enter a 10-team playoff next year with the likes Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan, in order to secure one of the two remaining World Cup berths.

In India, they face opponents ranked third in the world and who were good enough to reach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in England before losing to Pakistan last Sunday.

The Caribbean side entered the series as huge (Photo courtesy