On Wednesday, Sri Lanka will cross swords against West Indies in the second One-Day International of the ongoing three-match series. The high-voltage clash will take place at Pallekele International Stadium.
SL Vs WI 2nd ODI: Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka had an outstanding start to the ODI series, defeating West Indies by five wickets in the rain-marred series opener. Batting first, West Indies posted 185 runs for the loss of four wickets when rain encountered. As a result, the hosts were given a target of 232 runs, which they achieved comfortably inside 32 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s wrecker-in-chief with the ball, scalping two wickets, while Nishan Madushka and skipper Asalanka struck blistering fifties, powering the hosts to a clinical win. So, moving on to the second game, the Lankan Lions would be keen to sustain their dream run and clinch the series.
West Indies
On the other hand, West Indies would like to witness a better performance from Alick Athanaze and Brandon King, who registered failures with the bat in the first ODI. The visitors’ most dependable batter Shai Hope will also eye redemption after falling for a single-digit score in the series opener.
However, middle-order batter Sherfane Rutherford will be West Indies’ player to watch out for in the contest following his heroic half-century in the previous match. Spin-bowling allrounder Roston Chase will also play a pivotal role for the visitors alongside Gudakesh Motie, who bagged three wickets in the last game.
Predicted Playing XI
Sri Lanka
Sadeera Samarawickrama, who has registered scores of 8, 14, 0, and 18 in his last four innings, will look to bounce back strongly. Avishka Fernando had a good outing in Sri Lanka’s historic series win against India in August and he will look to come good on Thursday. The Sri Lankan spinners will hold the key once again.
Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka/, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
West Indies
West Indies will need more runs at the top of the order. Hope is one of the best batters in ODI cricket in the modern era and he will have to lead his side by example.
Jayden Seales failed to make an impact in the first game and it won’t be a bad idea to give the exuberant Shamar Joseph his maiden cap in the format.
Predicted XI: Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (wk/c), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Hayden Walsh, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales.