Betting Tips

SL vs WI Match Prediction

Sri Lanka to win the match 1.65

Sri Lanka’s spin arsenal featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage could exploit West Indies’ relative inexperience against spin. West Indies will rely on their pace attack, with Alzarri Joseph leading the charge and adapting to subcontinental conditions may prove difficult. Sri Lanka’s middle-order batting strength in Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka should anchor the batting in spin-friendly conditions. The match will take place as day/night game at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 20 October 2024.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Head-to-Head record

The stats show an almost even record between the two sides over the last five ODIs. West Indies have won three of the last five ODI matches and Sri Lanka have won two of the last five ODI matches. Importantly, the last encounter between them was an eight-wicket Sri Lankan win in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Live-Streaming and Broadcast

For the Indian audience, you can expect to find the live TV broadcast and live streaming for the first ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies on Sunday, 20 October 2024 on the Sony Sports Network and FanCode app respectively.

SL vs WI Team Previews

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka comes into this ODI with a well-balanced squad, especially suited for home conditions. They also won their previous game against the West Indies in 50-over cricket.

Their spin trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage will be crucial in dictating the flow of the game. Wanindu Hasaranga is a dangerous leg-spinner who enjoys claiming wickets in clusters. He is also a handy lower-order batter.

Maheesh Theekshana starred with four for 34 against the West Indies last time. Dunith Wellalage is an expecting prospect as a young spin-bowling all-rounder.

The batting lineup, led by Pathum Nissanka at the top and supported by the likes of Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, has both stability and firepower. Pathum Nissanka hit a century against the West Indies in 2023. Kusal Mendis is a calm and consistent customer with the bat.

Charith Asalanka can produce fireworks in the middle-order, especially if given the licence to do so after a strong start to the innings.

Kamindu Mendis’ all-round abilities add further depth to their lineup. Although he can contribute with part-time spin bowling, Mendis will be a key batter in their lineup. His recent exploits for Sri Lanka in England in the Test whites make him an ominous batter for the away side to deal with. Sri Lanka will be a tough side to beat at home.

West Indies

The West Indies are in a rebuilding stage after failing to qualify for the previous ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup.

The West Indies will be looking to their captain Shai Hope to anchor the batting. He has been a prolific batter in the 50-over format for numerous years now. He has 350 runs in his previous ten ODI matches.

Aggressive players like Brandon King and Alick Athanaze around him would be expected to counter the Sri Lankan bowlers. Keacy Carty enjoyed his outing against Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe when he hit 87 runs against them.

The key for them will be how well their middle-order batting handles Sri Lanka’s world-class spinners. Roston Chase will do most of his work in the middle phases of the game with bat and off-spin with the ball.

With Alzarri Joseph leading the pace attack alongside Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd, the fast-bowling unit will have their work cut out for them against a strong Sri Lankan opening batting combination. Joseph will also have duties as the vice-captain of the team.

Gudakesh Motie and Hayden Walsh will take on the spin duties. The West Indies need a complete performance to overcome the challenging conditions. Motie has been impressive with 14 wickets in his nine previous ODIs. He has also done so at an economy rate of only 4.11.

SL vs WI Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. The Pallekele pitch can slow down in the second innings which makes chasing difficult. Teams may prefer setting a target and letting their bowlers take advantage of the pitch conditions.

Pitch and Conditions

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is known for aiding spin bowlers, especially in the middle overs. The pitch could offer some help for the fast bowlers early on, but as the game progresses you can expect spin to dominate. Batting will become progressively more difficult. Setting a total of around 250-270 could be highly competitive.

The weather forecast predicts warm conditions with a 15 percent chance of rain expected. Conditions will also be very humid.

SL vs WI Betting Tips

Sri Lanka’s familiarity with conditions and their superior spin bowling attack gives them the upper hand. While the West Indies have talented players, their struggle against quality spin on subcontinental pitches may limit their chances. Expect Sri Lanka to use their spin trio to stifle the West Indies’ batting lineup.

Bet on Sri Lanka to win.