WI vs SL 1st Test: Fan2Play Fantasy Cricket Tips, Prediction, Playing XI and Pitch Report

Match Details

The first game of the two-match Test series between West Indies and Sri Lanka will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, and will start on 21st March 2021. 

The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST (10:00 AM Local time). The live streaming of the game will be available on Fan code. 

Preview 

West Indies would be coming into this series after a famous win in Bangladesh. Without the services of some key players, the inexperienced West Indies team went on chase the highest ever total in Asia in the first match and then won a close game to take home the series 2-0. 

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has not been at its best in recent times. They have lost their last two series, against England at home and in South Africa. The fact that skipper Dimuth Karunaratne will be back in the squad will be a big boost for the team. On top of that, they had successfully drawn the Test series 1-1  the last time they had visited the Caribbean. 

The hosts have a new leader taking charge of the team. Kraigg Braithwaite has been handed over the reins of the team as the Cricket West Indies (CWI) plans to have a fresh start looking at the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. 

Probable Playing XIs

West Indies

Predicted XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel

Sri Lanka

Predicted XI: Lahiru Thirimanne, Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando 

Captaincy picks

Jason Holder

Jason Holder is the number one Test all-rounder in the world right now as far as the ICC rankings are concerned. He was one player that the West Indies would love to have in their team, considering how consistently he has performed. He has been a regular performer in both disciplines. He averages 25 with the bat and 27 with the ball in Test cricket. 

Dimuth Karunaratne

The Sri Lankan captain’s come back in the Test squad will give immense confidence to the batting unit, which has honestly struggled a lot in recent times. Even though his career average is 36.66, his ability to bat for long periods of time, makes him a suitable pick in this category. He also had a century during the last series which he played.

Fan2Play Fantasy Cricket Tips

2-Player Team

Rahkeem Cornwall (C), Wanindu Hasaranga

3-Player Team

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite

4-Player Team

Dimuth Karunaratne, Jason Holder (C), Kyle Mayers, Wanindu Hasaranga

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