West Indies vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Predictions and Preview

Few feelings can rival the combination of exhilaration and relief a team collectively feels when they end a win drought, and the West Indies players will be overjoyed about both the series win against Sri Lanka - their first against a team that got its Test status before 2018 in almost 7 years - and the manner in which it was attained. It’s not as though the Sri Lankans were poor, it’s just that the home side were rock-solid. Sure, the match wasn’t a cakewalk like the first, but it was nevertheless a convincing victory. Although the third essentially becomes a redundant engagement, it should nevertheless be hotly contested as the West Indies will be looking for a long-awaited whitewash, and the Lankans trying to salvage some dignity. Before the third and final battle begins, let’s take a look at the two sides.

West Indies

Predicted XI for 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka

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

Preview and form

Striking multiple times early on is one of the best ways to contain runs in a limited overs match, and the Windies were able to execute that to perfection. Alzarri Joseph began the damage with two wickets, with Jason Mohammed’s 3 restricting a late flourish by the Lankans and keeping the target within reach. Chasing 273, openers Evin Lewis (103 off 121) and Shai Hope (84 off 108) piled up a massive 192 together before falling almost at the same time. Despite some more stutters, Nicholas Pooran’s 35 saw the team clinch victory with wickets in hand and 2 deliveries to go.

Key players for 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka

Shai Hope: In breathtaking form, Hope has all but cemented his spot in the West Indian side. 

Evin Lewis: Like hope, Lewis is in terrific touch and needs 

Jason Mohammed: After two excellent bowling performances, it’s hard to ignore this man’s skill with the ball.

Alzarri Joseph: It’s not easy to bowl out two top-order batsmen, and Joseph managing that warrants some respect. 

Sri Lanka

Predicted XI for 3rd ODI vs West Indies

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

Preview and form

It’s not as though the Sri Lankans have been winning a lot lately, so this defeat comes as a pretty big blow for them - especially since the West Indies are one team they are expected to beat on paper. Batting first, Danushka Gunathilaka once again showed excellent skill to fire up a run-a-ball 96, which becomes even more remarkable when you factor in the 3 early wickets they lost. He received good support from Dinesh Chandimal, who made 71, and Wanindu Hasaranga with 47. Together, they took the score to a strong 273, which is a winning total on this pitch. However, their bowling was once again lacking in lethality. Although Nuwan Pradeep and Thisara Perara took two wickets each, they were much too expensive, and with the spinners almost completely ineffective, the Lankans ended up losing the match in the final over.

Key players for 3rd ODI vs West Indies

Dimuth Karunaratne: The captain has had a poor tournament, and will want to prove a few things before he leaves. 

Danushka Gunathilaka: Given the kind of nick he is in, Gunathilaka is likely to score aplenty once again.

Dushmantha Chameera: With the spinners largely harmless, the speedsters will have to step up. 

Nuwan Pradeep: Picking up a couple in the last match, Pradeep must once again step up - and hopefully do even better.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI pitch report and weather conditions

It is quite evident that if you understand how the pitch works, batting at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium should be a fun prospect. However, it’s certainly proving to be better for fast bowlers than spinners. Expect scores of 270+ to be hard to chase despite what happened last match.

Once again, Antigua offers perfect cricketing weather for the third ODI, with pleasant temperatures, a nice, slow breeze, and absolutely no rain despite partly cloudy skies. 

Can the West Indies push through to a whitewash? Or will the Sri Lankans fire a Parthian shot to leave with something worth taking? Find out if our West Indies versus Sri Lanka predictions come true on Sunday!