West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2021, 1st ODI: Match Preview And Prediction

On Wednesday (10th March), the hosts West Indies will play against Sri Lanka in the opening game of the three-match ODI series at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (North Sound, Antigua).

This ODI series will be a part of the 2020–23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. So, both teams need to take this ODI series very seriously as their World Cup qualification is at stake due to not having strong ODI sides.

Ahead of this ODI series, these two teams just completed the three-match T20I series where the Caribbean team won that series by a 2-1 margin.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2021, 1st ODI: Match Preview

West Indies

West Indies are currently in high confidence due to winning the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka. Though they lost their last three ODIs against the hosts Bangladesh in late January, it was a very inexperienced side. Meanwhile, the present Kieron Pollard-led Caribbean team is the better and stronger ODI side to compete against any team.

However, West Indies batsmen need to improve their performances in this ODI series. The top orders will have to perform patiently as their strong start can bring a big ODI total for the hosts, especially when they have strong death over batsmen. The Caribbean bowlers will also have to prove themselves as a team.

This ODI series will be the second ODI series for West Indies in the 2020–23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. As they were whitewashed by the hosts Bangladesh in their first series of this competition, they need to win this home ODI series to release immense pressure.

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 fought well in the recently concluded T20I series but the hosts ultimately won the T20I series. The visitors will now try to improve their performances in the ODI series. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne will handle the leadership role of this ODI side.

Inexperiences is the major issue for the Sri Lankan team, especially on their bowling side. Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera etc are the crucial names on their batting side along with their skipper Karunaratne. Among their bowlers, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep etc have good experiences along with Akila Dananajaya, who last played an ODI match in July 2019.

Sri Lanka will make their debut in the 2020–23 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League with this ODI series opener.

Full Squad

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilake, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, 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, 1st ODI: Match Prediction

Since November 2016, West Indies haven’t won against Sri Lanka in an ODI as they have already suffered five consecutive ODI defeats against this Asian team. However, as the hosts, West Indies have enough confidence, especially after winning the recent T20I series, and they are a good ODI side who can beat any team in their days.

While West Indies have a good chance to make better their recent ODI records against Sri Lanka, the Asian team can prove themselves by playing positive cricket in this series.