Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in Decisive T20I Against West Indies 

Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat first in the 3rd and final T20 International against the West Indies at Sabina Park, Kingston with the series hanging in the balance 1-1 since when it was played earlier this month. With the series on the line, this is a must win encounter for both teams as they look to take the match and claim the series.

Having dominated the second T20I, visitors will be going into this contest with loads of confidence. And Sri Lanka will be hoping to complete a remarkable double at the same time, winning for the very first time in T20I series in the Caribbeans. The team is unchanged from the XI that managed to rock return after capitulating in their curtain-raiser loss making a powerful comeback.

The hosts, meanwhile, have added all-rounder Jason Holder back into the side. Holder missed the second game due to a slight injury complaint after he was named Player of the Match in the first. Young batter Ackeem Auguste, who had come in for injured Kyle Mayers, replaces Shamar Springer in the series decider. That meant Romario Shepherd gave way as the hosts attempt to take charge again and defend an impressive home record.

What is expected, however, will be an opposing challenge in the form of the pitch at Sabina Park that face both teams and which promises a greater test to both than those they encountered in the two previous matches. The curators had prepared a new surface, but the short preparation time from one match to another meant it could be a slow wicket. Batters should settle longer before playing aggressive strokes, experts believe.

This type of conditions would be perfect for both spin bowlers and seamers who can execute slower deliveries and cutters very well. The middle overs in particular could be vital as both teams would aim to create pressure and restrict the put together rate.

The Sri Lankan batting card will once again bank on veteran contributions from Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga. The West Indies will be hoping that captain Shai Hope and the likes of Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powells step up in a do-or-die game.

Forget the T20 WC, with the series evenly poised and both cricketing giants looking to end on a high note, all roads lead to Kingston where Sri Lanka take on West Indies for glory in their T20I series.

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