Sri Lanka and West Indies are set to play a three-match ODI series in Pallekele. Both teams are not part of the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. This takes away the additional pressure from them. Sri Lanka defeated West Indies in the T20I series, making a brilliant comeback after the defeat in the first T20I. It was all due to Sri Lanka’s spinners, who made life difficult for the visiting team. West Indies were bundled for 89 in the second T20I and could not stop Sri Lanka from smoothly sailing to victory in the third T20I.
Team Overview:
West Indies might include the teenager uncapped batsman, Jewel Andrew, into the playing XI for the first ODI game. Andrew impressed the selectors with his 143 run knock against Ireland Emerging Players in a List A game recently. Coach Darren Sammy was all praises for the young wicket-keeper batter,
“As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent. We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future.”
Hayden Walsh and Gudakesh Motie are West Indies’ best bet on Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches. Shai Hope will captain the team and will get deputy help from Alzarri Joseph.
Sri Lanka’s squad will remain almost the same as the one that played the T20Is. They have also called in legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who could make his debut during the first ODI. The Islander batters are in good form as well and it will be a huge task to stop them from churning runs, even on pitches that are not very assisting for batters.
Playing XI:
Sri Lanka
Chamindu Wickramasinghe, M Theekshana, Pathum Nissanka, A Fernando, W Hasaranga, K Mendis (wk), PHKD Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, JF Vandersay, C Asalanka (C), AM Fernando
West Indies
A Athanaze, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope (C), Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, Fabian Allen, Rovman Powell
Head-to-Head Match:
Sri Lanka and West Indies have played 65 games in ODI format against each other. Both teams have won equal number of games, which is 31. Three matches unfortunately ended without any result.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The pitch will have a lot in it for spinners and slow bowlers. Due to cracks and slow surface, the ball will come slow on the bat, which means batsmen will have issue timing their shots. Pacers can make the proper use of the new ball during the first overs. That will also be the time when batters will have a little more say than what they will have afterward. The weather will remain sunny.
Prediction:
Sri Lanka are favourite to win the game as they boast a strong spin attack. Their batters are also in very good form, which will help boost their chances.
Where to Watch:
Sri Lanka: Supreme TV, Ten Cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket’s YouTube
West Indies: Rush Sports
Bangladesh: T Sports
MENA and rest of Asia: Cricbuzz
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
Pakistan: Ten Sports
India: FanCode App, Sony LIV
