The second T20I match between Sri Lanka and West Indies is all set to take place in Dambulla today. The series opener was held at the same venue on Sunday, where West Indies emerged victorious, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
In the previous match, West Indies successfully chased down 180 runs in 19.1 overs, thanks to splendid performances from Brandon King and Evin Lewis. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, posted a respectable total of 179 runs on the board, with middle-order batsmen Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka scoring half-centuries.
Mendis showcased his all-round abilities by also contributing with the ball, while Matheesha Pathirana picked up a couple of wickets. However, the rest of the Sri Lankan bowlers failed to support them, leading to their inability to defend the target.
Regarding the pitch report for Dambulla, there was some assistance for the bowlers early in the match due to rain in the first T20I. But conditions are expected to be more favorable for batting in the upcoming match, with dew likely to come into play as the game progresses. The average first innings score at Dambulla is 142, but a par score around 200 could be competitive for this match, considering West Indies comfortably chased down 180 in the previous game.
In T20 matches at Dambulla, teams batting first have won 9 out of 22 matches, while teams bowling first have emerged victorious in 13 matches. The highest total at the venue is 209/5 by Afghanistan against Sri Lanka, and the highest successful chase is 180/5 by West Indies against Sri Lanka.
The squads for both teams are as follows:
West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Terrance Hinds, Andre Fletcher, Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Binura Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Avishka Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara
It promises to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to secure a crucial victory in the series.
