SL Vs WI 1st T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

Sri Lanka-West Indies to lock horns in three-game T20 series (@MohamedAzam21,@windiescricket/X.com)

For the inaugural game of the West Indies tour to Sri Lanka, the two teams will clash in a T20I matchup at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on October 13 from 7.00 PM IST. The first game of the three-game series is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two quality sides.

SL Vs WI 1st T20I: Team Previews

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka announced a full-fledged 17-member squad for the T20I series last week led by Charith Asalanka. Dasun Shanaka and Chameera have been dropped with Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga making a comeback to the T20I side. Notably, Sri Lanka was whitewashed by India in the previous T20I series they hosted at home.

And they even failed to advance from the group stages of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hence, the pressure to revive T20I cricket will be immense on Sri Lanka. Asalanka, the newly minted shorter format captain, will be key as his all-round abilities and leadership skills will be instrumental in Lanka’s success over T20 giant nation West Indies.

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West Indies

West Indies, on the other hand, will be travelling to Dambulla with several fresh faces in the squad. Seniors like Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer have been rested for the tour. Shamar Springer, Terrence Hinds, and Jewel Andrew are some of the new faces who have been given an opportunity to test their skills at the international level.

Notably, Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, and Fabian Allen also earned a comeback call. As for recent form, West Indies crushed South Africa to take a 3-0 victory in the three-game T20I series. Moreover, the Windies players have had enough T20 practice at the recently concluded CPL 2024 edition. Hence, the shorter format experts will pose a significant threat to the dispirited Sri Lanka.

SL Vs WI 1st T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

SL Vs WI 1st T20I: Dambulla Pitch Report

The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium largely favours bowlers, particularly spinners, as it tends to be dry and slow. The surface offers a turn, especially in the later stages of the game, making it challenging for batters to score freely. Dew factor will further make an impact in the latter half. Anything over 180 could be a fighting total on this surface.

SL Vs WI 1st T20I:  Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI (announced): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando

West Indies probable XI:  Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

SL Vs WI 1st T20I: Winner Prediction

Sri Lanka’s dominance in the T20I format at home has reduced in recent years, and hence, we expect West Indies to take away a victory in the first T20I.

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