West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20 Predictions and Preview

When I was young, my father once told me that the West Indies are a crazy team. Over the years, I realized just what he meant and it became a running joke between us. The first T20 between the West Indies and Sri Lanka was one of the best examples of that in my memory. It was a match that fans of these two teams will remember differently, but fans of cricket will remember fondly because of the sheer entertainment value. With the dust settled, the Windies will be looking to close out the series with another win, while the Lankans try to mount a comeback and level it. Before the two teams meet in the middle again, let’s take a look at how they did.

West Indies

Predicted XI for 2nd T20 vs Sri Lanka

Kieron Pollard (c), Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Fidel Edwards, Obed McCoy.

Preview and form

An uncharacteristically disciplined bowling attack was a great start, but it was the bizarre, roller-coaster batting innings that was emblematic of why the cricketing world loves the Windies. Bowling first, all 6 bowlers used picked up wickets, and most of them were economical as well. Obed McCoy was the only one with two, but Jason Holder had the best long-term economy rate. With most of the bowlers maintaining similar stinginess, the hosts were able to ensure the visitors only got to 131. The chase started in characteristically ballistic fashion as Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis both went after the bowling with great 20-something cameos. However, losing 3 wickets in as many deliveries caused the innings to stutter before something truly majestic happened - six sixes off six balls by Kieron Pollard, who only scores 2 runs otherwise. Jason Holder’s following 29*, which saw his team win by 4 wickets with 6.5 overs remaining, was of little consequence after that.

West Indies key players for 2nd T20 vs Sri Lanka

Evin Lewis: In superb form, Lewis will be one of the main men for the Windies.

Kieron Pollard: Because sixes beat everything else.

Jason Holder: The talented all-rounder is excellent with the ball on a good day.

Obed McCoy: The only player to take two wickets in the first match will no doubt be back for more.

Sri Lanka

Predicted XI for 2nd T20 vs West Indies

Angelo Mathews (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Pathum Nissanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashen Bandara, Nuwan Pradeep.

Preview and form

It wasn’t a pretty display of cricket from Sri Lanka in any way, although they were certainly better with the bat than with the ball. Batting first, the only players to cross twelve were Niroshan Dickwella with 33 off 29 and debutant Pathum Nissanka with 39 off 34, and with a scorecard like that, the visitors could only stack up a lame 131. In the second innings of the match, two bowlers managed to take 3 wickets each, while no one else managed even one. Of these two, one had a hattrick and proceeded to give away 62 runs from 4 overs, while the other only gave away 12. All said and done, the Lankans’ target was dismantled by the 14th over.

Sri Lanka key players for 2nd T20 vs West Indies

Angelo Mathews: The captain must use his experience to step up and bring his team up.

Niroshan Dickwella: The man with an interesting last name was decent with the bat in the first match, and we’re hoping his form continues.

Wanindu Hasaranga: By far the best bowler for Sri Lanka, Hasaranga must repeat his feat and perhaps do even better.

Akila Dananjaya: A hat-trick is nothing to scoff at, and Dananjaya will overcome his ill-fated over to take more wickets.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch at the Coolidge Stadium seems to be favouring bowlers quite a bit, but considering how quickly the Windies toppled their target, it still has something in it for the batsmen as well.

As Bob Marley sang, “sun is shining, the weather is sweet”. That’s exactly how it will be on this sunny Antigua afternoon. The only thing that might affect the match is a microscopic chance for a few drops.

Can the Windies decide the fate of the series in its second match? Or will the Lankans take the game in a resolute show of skill? Find out if our West Indies versus Sri Lanka predictions come true on Saturday!