Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd ODI, Preview - Focus on both bowling lineups as tourists aim to bounce back

The series between Sri Lanka and West Indies presents the possibility of lesser-known players stepping up out of nowhere to keep their side in the hunt. Prior to the first ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Colombo on Thursday, Avishka Fernando rose to the occasion in the former’s victory over West Indies in Chester-Le-Street in the 2019 World Cup.

In the first ODI, their bowling, for the most part, was average. Yet the home side managed to find a match-winner just at the nick of time to sneak past the finish line. It was none other than leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who held his nerve to script a series lead and the highest run-chase at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. With Dimuth Karunaratne back at the top along with Avishka Fernando, the Lankans straight away looked stable, a department that bothered them during the tour of Pakistan.

A deck where the previous highest chase was recorded back in 1998, Thisara Perera and Hasaranga scored at a strike rate of more than 100. And considering the slowness of the strip with growing time, the scoring rate was precisely the thing the hosts rooted for in a steep chase of 290.

West Indies dealt with similar problems. In fact, it appeared more grave. Even as Udana sent back the iconic duo of Pooran and Pollard, the visitors recovered exceptionally well to set 290 to get for the hosts. It was Keemo Paul‘s first hit with the bat in ODIs since December 2019 in which he proved that he is ready to take his promising performances so far to the next level. But what left them sinking was their bowling.

Despite the likes of Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, and Alzarri Joseph sharing six wickets between them at credible economy rates, the hosts seemed on course for the most part. But figures of 10-0-69-0 from spearhead, Sheldon Cottrell, was the biggest setback during the defeat. The left-arm bowler’s inability to remove any one of the openers cheaply or the tailenders meant the Lankans got to pounce on the part-timers with ease.

The number of extras being 26, including 14 wides, was a testimony of their indiscipline that further left them to deserve to end up on the losing side. Hence, they would seek a complete performance from all the departments in Hambantota to level the series.

Playing combinations:

Sri Lanka:

While the hosts’ batting arguably flourished, they must consider including Lahiru Kumara to their bowling department. The addition of to Kumara gives them an extra layer of depth to curb the run-flow, especially during the death overs since he possesses the pace. Lakshan Sandakan, who gave away 42 off seven overs without a wicket could make way for him.

Probable XI: Avishka Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Kusal Perera(wk), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan/Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep

West Indies:

The Men from the Caribbean need to do away with the bits and pieces performances. Their bowlers especially, need to remain right on the money to put the Sri Lankan top order under pressure. Despite the defeat, West Indies may not carry out changes since it is a well-balanced team already.

Probable XI: Shai Hope(wk), Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard(c), Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Hayden Walsh, Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell.

Focus will be on:

Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka)

It’s been eleven years since Thisara Perera made his debut for Sri Lanka. Drafted in as an all-rounder, Perera’s all-round abilities, especially as a skilled hard-hitting batsman was and is still an asset. However, his returns have been highly fluctuating and a batting average of 19.84 in 162 ODIs is hardly a testimonial of a good all-rounder.

The 30-year old’s knock of 32 off 22 deliveries was his first significant one since January 2019 and was the perfect stage for him to showcase his capability as a veteran. While as an all-rounder, he remains in the reckoning leading up to the T20 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether he can keep up the consistency.

Kieron Pollard (West Indies)

If there is ever a time for a captain of the ship to rise to the occasion, it is this. Under Kieron Pollard, West Indies seem to steadily rediscover the winning mindset which was largely visible since their tour of India. A narrow loss in the first ODI is a minute wake-up call that they cannot afford complacency no matter the opposition, despite their recent progress. The captain has the responsibility to reiterate this to his team by playing a level-headed knock with the bat and keeping them up to the task on the field as well.

Head to Head:

Played – 59 | Won by Sri Lanka – 28 | Won by West Indies – 28 | No result – 3

Stat Attack:

0- West Indies have never played a game across two formats at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium till date.

7 – Kusal Mendis needs seven runs to reach 2000 ODI runs. He would be amongst the only four batsmen for Sri Lanka to have 2000 runs under their belt in the current batting line-up.

2010 – The last time West Indies won an ODI series from behind was in 2010 when they beat Zimbabwe by 4-1 eventually after losing the first ODI.

Broadcast details:

TV – Sony Networks

Live streaming – SonyLiv

Match timings – 2:30 pm IST, 2:30 pm local