Last Update on: March 14th, 2021 at 01:50 pm
West Indies are ready to face the Sri Lanka challenge once again in the third or final game of the three-match ODI series this Sunday (14th March) at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (North Sound, Antigua).
West Indies are leading this series by a 2-0 margin as they have already secured this ODI series. After winning the first ODI by 8 wickets, the Caribbean side claimed another 5-wicket victory in the thrilling second ODI of this series.
West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI: Match Preview
West Indies
West Indies have already secured this ODI series by winning both matches. But another victory in this series will strengthen their position in the 2020-23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.
Currently, the openers Shai Hope and Evin Lewis are in outstanding form with their bats as they have scored 194 and 168 runs respectively in this series. While Hope scored 110 and 84 runs, Lewis scored 65 and 103 runs in this series. Moreover, they have put the big century partnerships in both the matches of this series. Despite the strong start, while the other batsmen were struggling at the end of the last game, Nicholas Pooran (35*) calmly finished in the tensed condition of that game.
Among their bowlers, Jason Mohammed highly impressed with his off-spin bowling as he is currently the leading wicket-taker in this series with 5 wickets. Also, Alzarri Joseph and Jason Holder both have taken 3 wickets each.
Full Squad
Kieron Pollard (C), Shai Hope (vc), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have started their journey in the 2020-23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League with two successive defeats. After suffering a big defeat in the series-opener, Sri Lanka fought really well in the next game but the hosts ultimately had the last laugh in the thrilling second ODI. The visitors will now be desperate to win this upcoming ODI to open their points account in the ongoing Super League.
Danushka Gunathilaka is in very good form who scored 55 and 96 runs respectively in this ODI series that provided solid starts for the visitors. While skipper Dimuth Karunaratne provided the century partnership with Gunathilaka in the first ODI with his 52 runs, Dinesh Chandimal scored crucial 71 runs in the last match. Ashen Bandara scored 50 runs on his ODI debut, which was the opening game of this ODI series. Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga scored 47 off 31 balls in the death overs of the last game.
Sri Lankan bowlers have failed to dismiss the Caribbean openers in the early stage in both matches and those were one of the big reasons for their defeats in this series. Thisara Perera and Nuwan Pradeep took two wickets each in the last game while Dushmantha Chameera got two wickets in the first ODI.
Full Squad
Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilake, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal.
West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI: Match Prediction
As West Indies have mostly dominated in this ODI series, they are really favourite for this upcoming series-concluding ODI.