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The much-awaited T20I series between Sri Lanka and West Indies is set to kick off on October 13 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This three-match series will see both teams aiming to refine their squads and strategies as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
Experienced squad with balanced line-up
Sri Lanka heads into the series with a well-balanced team featuring both seasoned and emerging players. The squad boasts strong middle-order batters like Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Kusal Perera, who have the ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. Additionally, the bowling department, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, adds depth with their spin variations, while pace bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana bring speed and agility.
Seeking redemption after loss to India
The Islanders will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing 3-0 loss to India in the last T20I series. They aim to regroup and show a much stronger performance against the West Indies. With home advantage, Sri Lanka will want to dominate and gain momentum. Captain Asalanka will play a crucial role in leading the team from the front.
Also READ: Sanath Jayasuriya appointed as full-time head coach of Sri Lanka men’s team
Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T20I series against West Indies
1. Pathum Nissanka
- Strength: Consistent opener with solid technique and ability to build innings.
- Expectation: Provide a steady start and anchor the innings, especially during the powerplay.
- What he brings to the team: Nissanka’s ability to rotate the strike and find gaps early on sets the tone for the innings, allowing other aggressive batters to play freely.
2. Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Strength: Aggressive top-order batter with a quick-scoring ability.
- Expectation: Capitalize on the powerplay and accelerate the scoring rate.
- What he brings to the team: Mendis’s aggressive approach puts pressure on the opposition bowlers, and his wicketkeeping skills add balance to the playing XI.
3. Kusal Perera
- Strength: Explosive left-handed batter known for his attacking shots.
- Expectation: Score quick runs and take advantage of fielding restrictions.
- What he brings to the team: Perera’s fearless approach and experience make him a game-changer at the top, giving Sri Lanka momentum early in the innings.
4. Charith Asalanka (c)
- Strength: Reliable middle-order batter with leadership qualities.
- Expectation: Steady the innings and guide the team, especially during tough situations.
- What he brings to the team: As captain, Asalanka provides stability in the middle order and has the ability to adapt his game according to the situation, making him a dependable player.
5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Strength: Power-hitter capable of finishing games with aggressive stroke play.
- Expectation: Finish the innings strong and handle the pressure in the death overs.
- What he brings to the team: Rajapaksa’s ability to play big shots under pressure helps Sri Lanka boost their total in the final overs, adding depth to the batting lineup.
6. Dinesh Chandimal
- Strength: Experienced campaigner with solid batting technique.
- Expectation: Provide stability and guide younger players during challenging phases of the innings.
- What he brings to the team: Chandimal’s experience and ability to adapt his game according to the situation help the team build partnerships and recover from tough situations.
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
- Strength: Premier all-rounder with exceptional bowling and useful batting skills.
- Expectation: Take crucial wickets in the middle overs and contribute with quick runs down the order.
- What he brings to the team: Hasaranga’s dual role as a wicket-taker and lower-order batter makes him a valuable asset who can change the course of the game with both bat and ball.
8. Dunith Wellalage
- Strength: Promising all-rounder with potential in both batting and bowling.
- Expectation: Support the bowling attack and add depth to the batting lineup.
- What he brings to the team: Wellalage’s versatility allows the team to have an additional spin option, and his lower-order batting can contribute valuable runs.
9. Maheesh Theekshana
- Strength: Mystery spinner with variations that trouble batsmen.
- Expectation: Control the flow of runs and pick up key wickets during the middle overs.
- What he brings to the team: Theekshana’s unique bowling style makes it difficult for batsmen to score freely, providing Sri Lanka with an edge, especially on spin-friendly tracks.
10. Matheesha Pathirana
- Strength: Fast bowler with pace and accuracy, capable of delivering yorkers.
- Expectation: Strike early and maintain pressure with aggressive bowling during the powerplay and death overs.
- What he brings to the team: Pathirana’s ability to bowl fast and accurately, along with his knack for delivering yorkers, makes him a key bowler for Sri Lanka, especially in the final overs.
11. Binura Fernando
- Strength: Tall left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball.
- Expectation: Provide breakthroughs and maintain a good economy rate.
- What he brings to the team: Fernando’s left-arm angle and ability to move the ball both ways make him a challenging bowler for opposition batters, adding variety to the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
