0:
Match Details
Date: November 4, 2021
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Preview:
In a bid to remain in contention for the semi-final spot, West Indies face Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Thursday. While the Lankans are already out of the semi-final race, the Caribbean side has a good chance to win the game and keep the hopes alive, expecting some permutations and combinations to go in their favour.
Head-to-head:
Pitch Report:
The surface at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has proven to be bowling a friendly wicket. However, it has also been observed that once a batter settles in, batting becomes much easier. This is why keeping wickets in hand is going to be extremely crucial for both West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Team Analysis
West Indies: A batting failure in the first game against England and too much conservative approach in the game against South Africa saw the side losing their first two games before they could open the account in the game against Bangladesh. Opening has been something to worry about for the defending champions as they have tried two combinations (Lendl Simmons-Evin Lewis and Chris Gayle-Evin Lewis) but both of them have failed to perform. While Lewis scored a quickfire fifty in the second game, the others have failed to impress. Batting of Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard have been the weak point for the side, while Nicholas Pooran's recent form would give them some respite in the lower middle-order. In the bowling department, Akeal Hosein and Ravi Rampaul have been the consistent performers.
Sri Lanka: Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera have failed to stitch a noteworthy partnership together in main event matches of the ongoing tournament. While Nissanka has scored an amazing fifty in those games, an innings of substance is yet to come from Perera. Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa are the two impressive performers. Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga has been exceptional with his all-round abilities so far. Their other bowlers have lacked consistency in the tournament.
Squads
West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Fletcher, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh, Lendl Simmons
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal
Match Prediction:
Conclusion:
Considering the potential of the side, West Indies have more chances of winning this game. And if their out-of-form players also come forward and contribute on Thursday, it will be Windies' game to lose.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s personal point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.