West Indies vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Predictions and Series Preview

After successfully clinching the T20 series between the two teams (though not without struggle), the West Indies will now set their sights on the ODI leg of the tour. With a solid lineup consisting of almost all their top players for the format, the home team will undoubtedly be the favourites for the win, though the visitors have no plans on letting it go that easily. Sri Lanka has a strong lineup, and although many of their players lack experience, the bowling-friendly pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium should provide a small advantage for them - both because it’s better for bowlers, and because the West Indies have had little success there. Before the series starts off, let’s take a look at the two sides.

West Indies

Announced squad

Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair.

West Indies predicted XI for 1st ODI against Sri Lanka

Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Fabian Allen, Jason Mohammed, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Romario Shepherd.

Preview and form

It’s hard to imagine the West Indies won the first two ODI World Cups considering how far they’ve fallen in the format, with their last series win against a team that isn’t Ireland, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh coming all the way back in 2012 against New Zealand, and even the win against Bangladesh coming in 2014. Kieron Pollard will take the reins of the ODI side, and he’ll have Shai Hope, Jason Mohammed, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran to help stack up the runs, while Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd pick up the wickets, with Jason Holder and Fabian Allen, along with Pollard himself, doing both. As long as their batsmen can put up a good score without throwing their wickets away, the Windies are down with a solid chance.

West Indies key players for 1st ODI against Sri Lanka

Shai Hope: As long as Shai bats well, there’s Hope for the home side. Pun absolutely intended.

Jason Mohammed: Mohammed has had some solid batting performances at this ground, and he’ll have to put up some more in this series.

Alzarri Joseph: If Joseph is to find a permanent slot within the West Indies, he has to perform up to par.

Akeal Hosein: After a splendid performance in Bangladesh, Hosein will be confident about doing well at home.

Sri Lanka

Announced squad

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal.

Sri Lanka predicted XI for 1st ODI against West Indies

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Mathews, Ashen Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan.

Preview and form

Much like the West Indies except slightly better, the Lankans have only won ODI series against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Scotland, and the West Indies in almost the last 7 years. However, those wins against the home side will give them a morale boost. Dimuth Karunaratne is leading the side after finally reaching the West Indies, and he will enlist the help of Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan, Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Mathews, and Niroshan Dickwella among others as far as batting is concerned. As for bowling, the spin trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, and Akila Dananjaya will be joined by pacers Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, and Thisara Perera, with plenty of backup in the reserves. The Lankans have plenty of sting in their bowling attack, and as long as they can restrict their opponents to a low total, they can take the match.

Sri Lanka key players for 1st ODI against West Indies

Dimuth Karunaratne: Karunaratne being in form will be extremely important for this series.

Angelo Mathews: Mathews was poor in the T20 series, and needs to make up for it in the ODIs. 

Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon against the Caribbean onslaught must make use of his best skills.

Lakshan Sandakan: Sandakan has the ability, and just needs to maximize his output.

Head-to-head

Although the two teams are neck and neck as far as overall results go, with Sri Lanka winning 29 times and the West Indies 28, the last time the Windies defeated the Lankans in an ODI series was all the way back in the 2007/08 season, which is a miserable record to say the least. 

The Lankans definitely have the edge as far as the head to head record goes.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is not one for batsmen. The ball will come off the pitch slower, and make it harder for batsmen to time. There’s also some movement at hand, making it worse. Any target above 235 should be hard to chase down.

Although some rain has been predicted early in the day, things should be better while the match is ongoing. There will be a fair bit of wind that might assist bowlers in getting movement given the low side tiers of the stadium. The temperature and the humidity will be very pleasant for cricket.

Can the West Indies get off to a good start in their quest to end a 14-year win drought against the Lankans? Or will the Lankans continue their dominance in the 50-over format? Find out if our West Indies versus Sri Lanka predictions come true on Wednesday!