West Indies and Sri Lanka will face each other in the evening match on 4 November in a Group 1 clash. Both teams have had an ordinary tournament so far, their only wins having come against a hapless Bangladesh side.
West Indies still have a mathematical chance to qualify for the semi-finals. They have to win today, then beat Australia handsomely in their next match, and hope England to beat South Africa by a huge margin.
They had won their last match and may continue with the same XI. Although Chris Gayle looks out of touch, the form of Evin Lewis and Nicolas Pooran in the last match should make them optimistic. Jason Holder, injury replacement for Obed McCoy, immediately showed his value with late hitting and tight bowling in the Powerplay. Along with Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo, he will complete a formidable trio of all-rounders.
This will be Sri Lanka's last match of this World T20. Already eliminated, they will look to finish with a win. This will be a good morale booster for the young team. Not only is Wanindu Hasaranga the leading wicket-taker of the tournament by some distance, but he has also struck at 148.
They will also be happy with their young batters, like Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Dushmantha Chameera impressed with his pace, and should have a long career. Maheesh Theekshana and Lahiru Kumara failed to replicate their wicket-taking skills from the first round, but Theekshana has been economical almost every time. Kumara can be replaced by Binura Fernando, while the form of Kusal Perera remains a concern.
Likely XIs
West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Ravi Rampaul, Akeal Hossain
Sri Lanka: Kushal Perera (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Hasaranga is in great form. He, along with Theekshana, should trouble the West Indies batters
- West Indies all-rounders Holder, Russell, and Bravo can contribute with both bat and ball and are popular fantasy picks.
- Top-order batters like Lewis, Asalanka, and Nissanka can help with points.
Fantasy XI
Nicolas Pooran; Evin Lewis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa; Wanindu Hasaranga, Jason Holder, Andre Russell; Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Akeal Hossain