The West Indies and Sri Lanka will clash in the first T20I of their three-match series on October 13, 2024, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The West Indies are coming into the series on the back of a disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where they failed to make it out of the group stage. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has been in decent form in T20 cricket, having won their last two series against Australia and New Zealand.
Teams Overview
The West Indies are a team that is full of talented players, but they have struggled to find consistency in recent years. Their batting is led by the likes of Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, and Andre Russell, while their bowling attack is spearheaded by Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, and Alzarri Joseph. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has a strong top order that includes Kusal Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, and Avishka Fernando. Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Wanindu Hasaranga lead their bowling attack.
Key Players
- West Indies: Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas
- Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera
Probable Playing XI
- West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh
- Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru Udana
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Time: 6:30 pm PST (Pakistan Standard Time), 7:00 pm GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), 1:30 pm IST (Indian Standard Time)
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
Head-to-Head in T20
Sri Lanka: 8
West Indies: 1
Tied: 0
Pitch Reports
The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is a batting-friendly pitch. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and there is little turn for the spinners. The average first innings score in T20 matches at this venue is 170 runs.
Match Predictions
This is likely to be a closely contested match. Both teams have a number of talented players, and the pitch is expected to favour batting. However, the West Indies may have a slight edge due to their greater experience in T20 cricket.
Possible Scenario
West Indies Dominate with Power-hitting
The West Indies batters, known for their aggressive style, come out all guns blazing and post a formidable total. Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, and Andre Russell could unleash their power-hitting, proving too much for the Sri Lankan bowlers to handle.
Sri Lanka’s Spinners Strike Back
Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, exploit the conditions and bowl economically, restricting the West Indies’ scoring. The West Indies batters, who have historically struggled against spin, might find it difficult to adapt to the slow pace of the pitch.
