Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd T20I, Pallekele: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

After a 0-3 sweep in the ODIs, West Indies bounced back strongly to beat Sri Lanka by 25 runs to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the 2-match T20I series. The second match will be played at the same venue, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

West Indies adopted an unusual strategy after opting to bat in the first T20I. Lendl Simmons batted through the entire innings with a 51-ball 67 not out as the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Dwayne Bravo did not even get to bat. Nevertheless, Andre Russell (35 in 14 balls) and Kieron Pollard (34 in 15) did enough to take them to 196/4, Wanindu Hasaranga returning 4-0-33-1.

Oshane Thomas (3-0-28-5) then took 3 wickets in 4 balls to reduce Sri Lanka to 17/3 after 2 overs. He took the first 5 wickets before Kusal Perera (66 in 38) and Hasaranga (44 in 34) added 87 in 57 balls, but once the stand broke they were bowled out for 171 to lose by 25 runs.

Nevertheless, given how the tour has panned out so far, Sri Lanka should level the series in the second T20I.

Head to head

Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka still hold a 6-4 lead – though West Indies have won the last 3 T20Is between the sides.

Key players

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Starting the first ODI, Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka’s find of the tour so far with his aggressive batting down the order and canny leg-breaks. The onus will be on him to deliver accordingly.

Oshane Thomas (West Indies): His extra height helped Thomas extract steep bounce off a surface when others could not. Expect him to take new ball again and attempt an encore to put Sri Lanka on the backfoot.

Likely XIs

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (wk), Shehan Jayasuriya, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga (c), Lakshan Sandakan.

India: Lendl Simmons, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard (c), Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell.

Prediction

Sri Lanka to win and level the series.