After an intense T20I series, both teams now focus on the 50-over format. Sri Lanka, buoyed by a 2-1 T20I series victory, is eager to build on that momentum, while West Indies aim to turn things around in the ODIs. With an exciting blend of experienced players and fresh talent on both sides, this series promises high-quality cricket.
Match Details
- Fixture: 1st ODI – Sri Lanka vs West Indies
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- Date & Time: Sunday, 20th October, 14:30 IST
- Series: West Indies in Sri Lanka, 3-ODI Series, 2024
Form Guide
- Sri Lanka: W – L – T – W – W – W
- West Indies: L – W – L – L – L
Last 5 Matches
- Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets (34 balls remaining) – 7 July 2023
- West Indies won by 5 wickets (9 balls remaining) – 14 March 2021
- West Indies won by 5 wickets (2 balls remaining) – 12 March 2021
- West Indies won by 8 wickets (18 balls remaining) – 10 March 2021
- Sri Lanka won by 6 runs – 1 March 2020
Sri Lanka News
Sri Lanka enters the ODI series full of confidence, having clinched the T20I series 2-1. Captain Charith Asalanka leads a promising side, with Chamindu Wickramasinghe on course to make his ODI debut. The absence of Matheesha Pathirana will be felt, but Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando will spearhead the pace attack.
With spin options like Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, Sri Lanka will look to exploit the conditions in Kandy. Their batting lineup remains formidable, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis expected to deliver at the top.
West Indies News
West Indies will look to reset after a disappointing T20I series. They have reason for optimism, with Jewel Andrew potentially making his ODI debut and becoming the youngest-ever debutant for West Indies.
The visitors have a balanced attack, with Alzarri Joseph leading the pace unit and Gudakesh Motie adding variety with spin. Shai Hope, the captain, remains a key player with the bat, and the squad boasts plenty of firepower in Brandon King and Evin Lewis.
Sri Lanka vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 64
- Sri Lanka Wins: 30
- West Indies Wins: 31
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 3
- Win Percentage: Sri Lanka 49.18% | West Indies 50.82%
Top Performers – Key Players to Watch
Top Batters:
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka
- Runs vs WI: 146
- Batting Average: 36.5
- Highest Score: 104
- West Indies: Shai Hope
- Runs vs SL: 575
- Batting Average: 57.5
- Highest Score: 115
Top Bowlers:
- Sri Lanka: Maheesh Theekshana
- Wickets vs WI: 4
- Best Figures: 4/34
- West Indies: Alzarri Joseph
- Wickets vs SL: 14
- Best Figures: 4/65
Squads
Sri Lanka ODI Squad
Charith Asalanka (captain), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Nishan Madushka (wk), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz
West Indies ODI Squad
Shai Hope (captain, wk), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Jewel Andrew (wk), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr
SWOT Analysis – Sri Lanka vs West Indies ODI Series 2024
Sri Lanka
Strengths:
- Strong Recent Form: Sri Lanka has won 4 of their last 5 ODIs, showing momentum.
- Solid Batting Core: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka have been in good touch, offering stability at the top.
- Balanced Spin Attack: Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage provide spin options that can exploit home conditions effectively.
- Key Player Returns: Dilshan Madushanka’s return from injury bolsters the pace attack, while Wanindu Hasaranga adds all-round depth.
Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns: Matheesha Pathirana is unavailable due to a shoulder injury, weakening their fast-bowling department.
- Dependency on Top Order: Sri Lanka’s middle order has shown vulnerability when the top fails to perform.
Opportunities:
- Home Advantage: Playing at Pallekele gives them favorable conditions to exploit.
- Potential Debut Impact: Chamindu Wickramasinghe could surprise the West Indies with his all-round abilities.
Threats:
- West Indies Power-Hitters: The visitors have batters like Brandon King and Evin Lewis who can dismantle bowling attacks.
- Unpredictability of West Indies: Despite inconsistent form, the West Indies can pose challenges if they click collectively.
West Indies
Strengths:
- Shai Hope’s Form: Hope has been consistent, averaging 43.75 over the last 10 matches with a strike rate of 90.43.
- Bowling Variety: Gudakesh Motie (economy of 4.11) and Romario Shepherd (12 wickets in 9 games) add depth to the bowling attack.
- Experience in Key Players: Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, and Roston Chase bring valuable experience to the side.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Performance: The team has lost 4 of their last 5 ODIs, reflecting poor form.
- Inconsistent Middle Order: Keacy Carty has performed decently (345 runs in 9 matches) but lacks support from other middle-order batters.
Opportunities:
- Jewel Andrew’s Debut: If the young talent plays, his fresh energy could inject positivity into the squad.
- Bounce-Back Potential: After losing the T20I series, the team is motivated to start strong in the ODI format.
Threats:
- Sri Lanka’s Spin Challenge: The hosts’ spin attack could trouble West Indies batters on slower wickets.
- Pressure on Captain Hope: West Indies’ batting revolves heavily around Hope, making them vulnerable if he gets out early.
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka’s spin attack and recent form give them the edge in this opening encounter. Unless West Indies finds answers to the turning ball and puts in a complete batting performance, Sri Lanka is likely to win the 1st ODI.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win by 30-50 runs or 4-5 wickets.
