SL vs WI – 1st Match Prediction

Betting Tips

SL vs WI Match Prediction

Sri Lanka to win the match 1.91

The West Indies will begin a 13-day tour of Sri Lanka where it will play 3 T20Is followed by 3 ODIs. The first match will be played on Sunday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium and will be a Day/Night encounter.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Head-to-Head record

The two teams have faced each other in 15 matches to date. Sri Lanka has a slight edge winning 8 games while West Indies won 7.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Live-Streaming and Broadcast

This match will be live-streamed on the Sony Liv app. One can also watch it live on the Sony Sports Network.

SL vs WI Team Previews

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is coming into this contest on the back of a brilliant 2-0 win against New Zealand in a Test series. However, white-ball cricket is a completely different ball game and the team’s record hasn’t been the best. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka will look to make a positive start to its campaign.

Sri Lanka has chosen a fairly predictable squad for this series. Charith Asalanka will lead a team that has plenty of quality batsmen, especially those in the top order. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are likely to open the batting, which will be followed by the likes of Kusal Perera and Asalanka himself.

Kamindu Mendis was brilliant in the Test series against New Zealand and will look to emulate his performance. Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes a comeback in the squad after more than a year, while all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe retain their place.

The seam attack consists of Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando while Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay will join Hasaranga in the spin department.

West Indies

The West Indies have enjoyed an excellent run in the shortest format off late, winning 12 of the last 14 matches it has played in this format. The team is coming into this series after defeating South Africa 3-0 at home.

However, playing in the subcontinent will test the team’s resilience, especially as it is missing some of its best players. Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmeyer, Andre Russell, and Akeal Hosein have given this tour a miss due to personal reasons, paving the way for fresh talent.

All-rounders Shamar Springer and Terrence Hinds are likely to receive their maiden international call-up on the back of some excellent performances in the recently concluded CPL. Rovman Powell will lead the team and will be an important part of the middle order.

Evin Lewis makes a comeback in the team after more than 2 years and will likely open the batting alongside Shai Hope. Brandon King has also recovered from his injury and will add heft to the batting.

Coming to the bowling, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase will lead the spin department while Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are likely to lead the attack with the new ball.

SL vs WI Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Dambulla is usually good to bat on. The average first-inning score in the last 3 matches played here is around 180. The seamers will need to bowl a good line and length if they want to put the batsmen under pressure. The surface is flat and offers good pace and bounce.

During the second half, the pitch does slow down a bit and will help the spinners. The weather is likely to be overcast and there are chances of rain interrupting the game.

SL vs WI Betting Tips

Sri Lanka has shown in its recent outings that playing under home conditions, they are a difficult side to beat. In this match as well, we expect them to play well. Sri Lanka’s spin attack seems stronger than that of the West Indies and that will give the home team a big edge.

Bet on Sri Lanka to win.