T20 World Cup 2021: Match 35, West Indies vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

West Indies and Sri Lanka are set to cross swords in Match No.35 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Thursday, November 4 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Caribbean team, led by Kieron Pollard, made a comeback against Bangladesh after back-to-back losses to start with.

Pollard’s men need to win both their remaining Super 12 games to have any chance of qualifying for the semis. The Lankans, on the other hand, have already been knocked out of the competition. After losses to South Africa, Australia and England, they will be looking to end their campaign on a high.

Match Details

Match – West Indies vs Sri Lanka – Match 35

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 07:30 PM IST, 02:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has started to show signs of improvement in recent times, although the average scores remain on the lower side. The chasing teams have mostly dominated on the surface. Therefore, batting second should be the way forward.

Average first innings score: 131 (10 T20Is in Abu Dhabi in T20 World Cup 2021)

Record of Chasing teams: Won – 7, Lost – 3, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs

West Indies

Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul

Bench: Andre Fletcher, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh, Lendl Simmons

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara

Bench: Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal

Head-to-head

Overall

Matches- 14, West Indies – 7, Sri Lanka– 7, Tied- 0

In T20 World Cups

Matches- 7, West Indies – 2, Sri Lanka– 5, Tied- 0

Probable best batter of the match

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)

Charith Asalanka has arguably been the standout batter for the Lankans in the ongoing World Cup. The left-hander started his campaign with an unbeaten 80-run knock against Bangladesh and followed it up with a handy 35 against the Aussies. Overall, the southpaw has scored 163 runs from five matches at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of 140.51.

Probable best bowler of the match

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Wanindu Hasaranga has been the pick of the bowlers for Lanka in the T20 tournament. The leg-spinner has picked up 14 wickets from seven matches at an excellent economy rate of 5.26, the best among his teammates. Earlier, he also got a hat-trick against South Africa, albeit his efforts came in a losing cause. Hasaranga can also wield the willow to good effect.

Today’s match prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.