Sri Lanka will look to clinch the series and the Sobers-Tissera Trophy when they take on West Indies on 29 November, in the second Test at the Galle International Stadium. They are currently leading by 1-0 in the two-match after beating West Indies by 187 runs in the first Test.
West Indies are yet to win a Test match in Sri Lanka. In fact, they have lost eight out of the 12 Tests they have played here. Even overall, Sri Lanka hold a 10-4 lead from the 23 Test matches.
Spinners claimed 31 out of 34 wickets in the first Test match. Dimuth Karunaratne showed composure yet again amidst the ruins, scoring a sedate 147 and a brisk 83. With ball, Ramesh Mendis did the most damage for Sri Lanka, taking eight wickets in the match. Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrama impressed as well, and will look to continue their rich vein of form.
Roston Chase picked up 5-83 in the first innings to give West Indies hope, but went wicketless in the second. Nkrumah Bonner and Joshua Da Silva were the only two batters who reached fifties – though they got them after West Indies were 18/6. Kraigg Brathwaite looked well in the first innings, but departed without scoring in the second. If they manage to level the series, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers will play crucial roles.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Include as many spinners as you can in your fantasy XI.
- Bonner, Karunaratne and Kraigg Brathwaite are the highly-dependable batting options.
- Among wicket-keepers, include Da Silva and overlook Chandimal.
Likely XIs
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Ramesh Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Shannon Gabriel.
Fantasy XI
Dimuth Karunaratne, Kraigg Brathwaite, Nkrumah Bonner, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Ramesh Mendis (vc), Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama (c).