West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024 

SL vs WI, 1st ODI 

Preview 

Sri Lanka will look to keep the momentum going after a recently completed T20I series where the host took all the matches after losing the opening game when it takes on West Indies in the first of a three-match ODI series at Pallekele International Stadium. Despite the loss in this game, the team has got used to the local conditions and will put up a fight in the ODI format.

Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in this ODI series. The side will look to follow up on their earlier triumph, which came during an ODI series against India in early July 2024.  

Sri Lanka has opted for an extremely spin-heavy side, with Wanindu Hasaranga returning from injury and heading a strong and extremely well-balanced spin unit consisting of Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage among others, in addition to several part-time spinning options.

 West Indies have effectively rotated their squad from the T20I series, but this time, some changes are significant with the change of the captain. Shai Hope will lead while also becoming the wicket-keeper. Attention will be on Gudakesh Motie, who has stood out at the CPL 2024 and is considered West Indies' best spinner. The spin attack will also boast Hayden Walsh Jr. However, the Pallekele pitch has a history of preferring pace over spin like Sri Lanka, so the team should rely more on their pace attack than it should have done against Sri Lanka.

Both teams can expect an action-packed and fiery ODI contest where strategy battles alone stand out.  

Match Details

Match: SL vs WI, 1st ODI, West Indies tour of Sri Lanka, 2024

Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024

Time: 2:30 PM

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

Pitch and Weather Report

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium would be a spinner's playground, with the ball coming onto the bat slowly. As seen in the recently played T20Is, this match will be dictated by spinners. Although the new ball is expected to behave well, the deck will likely help spinners during the latter stages, making it worthwhile to bat first.

Historically, this track has had batting-friendly characteristics, evident from average scores of 260 to 310 in the last four years. Once the batsmen withstand the early challenge of swinging bowlers, they will get ample opportunities to build momentum and keep the scoreboard ticking. Though the pitch retains its character throughout the match, it may occasionally slow down, allowing the spinners to enter the game more prominently.

Well, on the weather front, things look quite promising as there is nothing much to worry about the outlook and other things that will make for a great day of cricket.

SL vs WI Squads

SL: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka(c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Madushka, Janith Liyanage, Mohamed Shiraz, Chamindu Wickramasinghe

WI: Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Jewel Andrew

SL vs WI Probable Playing XIs

SL: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana.

WI: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c/wk), Alick Athanaze, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh, Gudakesh Motie.

Match Prediction

The hosts are firm favourites to win this encounter. We are backing them to draw first blood in the three-match series.

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