SL vs WI 2024: Top 3 Players to watch out for in upcoming T20I series

Sri Lanka are all set to host the West Indies in a three-match T20I series. The three games will be played on October 13, 15, and 17 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Charith Asalanka and Rovman Powell will be leading Sri Lanka and the West Indies, respectively, in what promises to be a high-voltage series.

There hasn't been much to separate these teams in the shortest format of the game. Out of the 15 matches they have played against each other, the Caribbean side managed to win eight. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka emerged victorious on seven occasions.

Sri Lanka are coming off a comprehensive 2-0 win against New Zealand in a home Test series. However, when they cast their minds back to their most recent 20-over performance, they will not be too pleased as they were whitewashed at home in a three-match T20I series by India in July. The Windies, on the other hand, completed a clean sweep over South Africa in a three-match T20I series in August and would be oozing confidence.

The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is known for being a high-scoring venue as the average first innings score in three T20Is is 188. Meanwhile, in T20 cricket, the average first innings score is 185. Both teams have a lot of firepower in their batting line-ups and fans can expect some big scores across the three games. The bowlers, on the other hand, will have to be on their toes and execute their plans properly to keep the destructive batters in check.

Let us look at 3 players who could mark a strong impact in the series:

3. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka is being touted by many as the next big thing in Sri Lankan cricket. He has been in fine form this year, having scored 320 runs from 12 T20I innings at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 148.83. He also finished as the highest run-getter in the T20I series against India, scoring 137 runs from three matches at an average of 45.67 and a strike rate of 138.38.

Nissanka will have to play a crucial role at the top of the order. He can up the ante from the get-go with his flamboyant approach to batting. He will look to come out all guns blazing inside the powerplay and get his team off to flying starts.

Nissanka is equally adept at playing spin and pace and the West Indies bowlers will want to see the back of him as soon as possible.  If the right-handed batter find his feet, he is difficult to dislodge. This allows the other Sri Lankan players to bat around him.