It was in August when Sri Lanka last played the ODI format. Given the rate at which teams play the 50-over format now, this should not be considered too far in the past. Playing a three-match series against India, the Islanders won it 2-0. West Indies, however, have checked eight months without an ODI game, having played one against Australia in February this year. But there is not much to worry about. Unlike most other full-member nations, both teams do not need to scramble to finish their preparations in time for the Champions Trophy. The next mega-event in the ODI format they are scheduled to play is the ODI World Cup 2027, which leaves both with plenty of time for trial-and-error.
West Indies showed signs of life during the first T20I game of the ongoing tour, after which they switched to their hibernation mode. Whether it was the pitches that helped spinners or Sri Lanka’s sheer dominance in the shortest format, the miserable way the West Indies performed during the last two T20Is, pointed toward several underlying reasons for this rot. They failed to chase 162 in the second T20I and defend the same in the next game.
Team Overview:
As if West Indies were not already having nightmares, Sri Lanka have called in the uncapped Chamindu Wickramasinghe and the leggie Jeffrey Vandersay, who was the highest-wicket-taker against India in August. Mohamed Shiraz, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madhushanka will be available for the fast bowling duties. The host batters are in a dynamic form as well. Most of them, including Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Mendis, come off a fresh onslaught against the West Indies in the T20Is. Avishka Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka warmed the bench during the T20Is, however, the exhaustion the longer format might see some of these getting on the team as well.
West Indies included the rookie batter, Jewel Andrew, in the squad earlier, and if he is handed the cap, he could become the youngest West Indies player to make his ODI debut. Gudakesh Motie flexed his batting as well as bowling skills during the last T20I. He did quite well against Australia earlier this year too, taking 4 of just 13 wickets West Indies were able to take throughout the series. Keacy Carty, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Hayden Walsh Jr. will be the other additions to the squad. Walsh Jr. would be a sight for the sore eyes to witness on Sri Lanka’s rank-turners.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Both teams have an equal number of wins against each other in ODIs. From a total of 65 ODI games, both have won 31 matches each. The remaining three games ended without any result. The last time both teams came face to face in a 50-over game was during ICC World Cup qualifiers in early 2023.
Weather and Pitch Report:
All three games of the series will be played at Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. The pitch, to no one’s surprise, will favor spinners more than pacers. For pacers, the best-case scenario is to ball off-pace to trick the batters into mishitting. Batters should make the most of the first ten overs before the ball gets old. The weather will stay clear of rain, with the sun shining freely, baking the pitch more.
Prediction:
West Indies will need to make a gargantuan effort to dominate Sri Lanka in the conditions best suited to their skill set. Sri Lanka would be almost lethal, given the sort of resources they have, making them likely to get over the line.
Where to watch:
You can watch the 1st ODI game between Sri Lanka and West Indies by tuning in to the following:
Sri Lanka: Supreme TV, Ten Cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket’s YouTube channel (Live streaming)
West Indies: Rush
Pakistan: Ten Sports
India: FanCode App, Sony LIV
Bangladesh: T Sports
Middle East, North Africa, and South East Asia: Cricbuzz
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
