West Indies begin their T20I series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica after an ODI leg of the tour that was badly affected by rain. Sri Lanka land on the back of a comfortable ODI series victory but West Indies will have the twin benefits of home conditions and recent T20 pedigree to bolster their chances.
The visitors had a successful ODI summer, clinching only the second of such series in the Caribbean in over 10 years. Although bad weather interrupted play a number of times, Sri Lanka were disciplined with bat and ball in the 50-over matches. Their performances showcased a sense of stability starting to grow within the squad with various other players chipping in from various departments.
With that said as the focus turns to the 20 over format Sri Lanka will be hoping their success can last into the T20 with hope of more wins before heading home. It has looked a better side in recent months, too, and believe it can match the top teams when its batting and bowling units fire. While they are likely to depend on both experienced campaigners and rising stars, invariably an effective blend will be required to start positively here.
The T20 format gives West Indies the opportunity to reset after being beaten in the ODI series The Caribbean side, with its power-packed batting line-up and match-winning all-rounders, has been one of the most dangerous teams in T20 cricket historically. They will also have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions, and may use that to try cupping pressure on Sri Lanka from ball one.
The hosts are expected to rely on their retaliatory middle order and attacking style of batting. Having the ability to score runs quickly and muscle their way through important percentage-batting stages of the innings is frequently, if not always, a prerequisite for success in T20 cricket. On the other hand, the bowling department will look to keep Sri Lanka’s in-form batters and take early wickets.
Which made the ODI series having rain breaks a talking point along with the weather. Both teams would be hoping to seal the deal with a complete game that could help them get into the series. Fans should be in for an absolute treat with the T20 leg featuring two sides entering the series with contrasting motivation but similar aspirations.
Sri Lanka come off the back of a successful T20 World Cup qualifying campaign, while West Indies have the home field advantage with an equipment build for this format heading into the opening T20I. Both teams will be looking to get the early momentum in the series, and so this sets up to be an entertaining battle.
