Matches between Sri Lanka and West Indies always produce scintillating moments that elevate cricket as a sport. In the rain-curtailed second ODI of the series, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the toss and chose to bowl first as it has been their trend in the previous matches where they are accustomed to chasing down targets.
The toss was delayed by 2 hours due to rain and cut down to something which could be played in 44 overs per side. During the toss, there was a clear indication as to why Charith Asalanka made this move, with his mention on the importance of chasing and potentially the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern methods being used if rain interfered.
Shai Hope, the West Indies captain was also in agreement and would have, without any second thoughts, elected to bowl first. Following a disappointing wet loss on Sunday, the Windies, now behind in the series 0-1, attempts to level the match in this 2nd encounter with unchanged lineups.
However, Sri Lankans did make some alterations in their lineup, resting leg spinner Vandersay and instituting Maheesh Theekshana to cause uncertainty in the West Indian batting formation. Sri Lanka are the current champions and any team willing to beat them should take into account the weather’s impact.
This contest is likely to be an exciting one as both teams will struggle to find the perfect combination between strategy and ball in order to perform in the conditions out there in Colombo.
Sri Lanka: 1 Nishan Madushka, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Kamindu Mendis, 8 Wanindu Hasranga, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Asitha Fernando, 11 Maheesh Theekshana
West Indies: 1 Alick Athanaze, 2 Brandon King, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt, wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Romario Shepherd, 8 Hayden Walsh, 9 Gudakesh Motie, 10 Jayden Seales, 11 Alzarri Joseph
Exciting cricket action awaits you since Sri Lanka have made the right decision to bowl first in this 44-over match considering that Maheesh Theekshana has returned to the team.