LONDON: Jason Holder and his West Indies lineup need to beat two-time champions India at Old Trafford on Thursday to keep alive a slim chance of reaching the Cricket World Cup semifinals.

Unbeaten India is coming off an 11-run win over Afghanistan and is unlikely to be caught off guard again after that surprisingly narrow result, and after recent losses for England and New Zealand which have changed the momentum of the tournament.

West Indies has lost its last four completed matches at the tournament, its longest streak ever at the World Cup. Two of those defeats have been at Old Trafford, where the team batting first has won each time.

After a five-run loss to New Zealand last Saturday, when Carlos Brathwaite was caught on the boundary attempting to hit a six for victory, West Indies needs to rebound with wins in its last three games to maintain its chances of finishing in the top four and securing a spot in the playoffs.

After a couple of cloudy days in Manchester, the forecast is for a clear, sunny day. —AFP