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Given his form, pedigree, and history in these conditions, Hasaranga taking two or more wickets makes plenty of appeal
JAMAICA: Like the ODI series that went before it, the first T20 International between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at Sabina Park, Kingston on Friday (6 am SLT) could be affected by wet weather. The forecast again threatens disruption, with afternoon thunderstorms predicted, but the evening outlook offers some hope that the match can proceed.
West Indies also have better prospects of winning in this shorter format, having come close to edging out hosts India in the Super Eights of this year’s T20 World Cup.
West Indies boast a frightening middle order with Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd capable of piling on runs in a hurry.
Their spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein remain a major threat in home conditions, although the Wndies have lost 11 of their last 13 T20Is at home.
Sri Lanka in contrast, failed to make it to the Super Eights in 2024 and lost all three games at that stage earlier this year, however, their unpredictable bowling gives them a fighting chance.
Wanindu Hasaranga has a phenomenal T20I record in the Caribbean, while Dushmantha Chameera has looked in excellent rhythm on this tour.
Hasaranga’s record against the West Indies is impressive and his strike-rate in the Caribbean extraordinary. The leg-spinner has taken 16 West Indian wickets in eight innings, with 10 of those scalps coming in just four appearances in the Caribbean at an economy rate of 4.18.
Few slow bowlers have troubled the Windies’ hitters as consistently as he has and his variations are perfectly suited to Sabina Park’s typically sluggish, gripping surface. Even if the pitch plays truer after time under covers, Hasaranga’s googly remains one of the most deceptive in world cricket. With West Indies’ middle order often attacking from ball one, chances will come. Given his form, pedigree, and history in these conditions, Hasaranga taking two or more wickets makes plenty of appeal.
This is the format in which West Indies are most dangerous and they enter the series with a settled, powerful line-up that mirrors their World Cup combination. Their batting depth is unmatched and, even if the pitch behaves unpredictably after days under covers, their big hitters are capable of clearing any boundary at Sabina Park.
Sri Lanka’s batting is still a little inconsistent and, although Pathum Nissanka anchored their innings well in the first ODI, his role will be very different in T20. Beyond the openers, Sri Lanka’s line-up lacks the explosiveness needed to keep pace with West Indies on a good surface.
Sri Lanka’s best route to victory is by taking early wickets and strangling the West Indies in the middle overs through Hasaranga’s control. However, West Indies have historically played spin well at home and their familiarity with Sabina Park’s conditions gives them a clear edge.
West Indies however have a poor recent home record in T20Is, but they have won six of the last 10 such matches played at Sabina Park. These teams have never played a T20I in Jamaica before.
