West Indies take on Sri Lanka in the 23rd match of Super 12 at Abu Dhabi today. This is going to be the final Super 12 match for the islanders of Lanka and the penultimate match for the Caribbeans. While for Sri Lanka it is a dead rubber as they have already been ousted from the tournament along with Bangladesh, this is a survival chance for the Windies. The West Indies came close and clutched to themselves to win the match against Bangladesh courtesy a tight last over spell from Russell. This match would clearly prove if the Windies have an outside chance to fight for the second spot in Group A of the tournament.
OVERVIEW:
WEST INDIES:- The defending champions of the ICC T20 World Cup are putting up an abysmal show and contributions from them aren’t steady as it was for them in 2012 and 2016 World Cup. They boast of a thundering batting lineup who at any day can blast the opposition, but it is quite the opposite happening now. Evin Lewis is showing some intent at the top and the Universe Boss is fizzling out and is proving to be a big liability for the team even when made to open. The middle order showed some intent with debutant Roston Chase steadying the ship, Pooran and Holder providing some fireworks towards the end. The bowlers aren’t providing what they did in CPL and it’s a clear indication that the pitches in CPL weren’t a practice for the T20 WC and just an eyewash for viewership.
SRI LANKA:- The Lankan lions, as they are called in the cricketing circuit are literally playing like the lion cubs and make us wonder whether they are one of the champions of the T20 WC. Even when having young talents in the setup, they always fizz out and lose the opportunity to sizzle. They almost had to stretch a lot to win against Bangladesh in their first match in Super 12, courtesy a Rajapaksha - Asalanka show. The next three matches against Australia, South Africa and England; the top order literally failed and mounted pressure on the middle order except for Nissanka’s 72 against the Proteas. Wanindu Hasaranga has been the only shining star for the team with his all round contribution and after the match against England, he jumped to become the No.1 allrounder in the ICC rankings. Chameera and Theekshana are saving the Lankans with some decent contributions with the ball and trying to restrict the opponent when they show up. The match which they play for pride would be an interesting contest as an upset would make the Windies pack their bags and head to the UAE airport for home.
Players to watch out:
Mahesh Theekshana: The young office with his off breaks and carrom ball is the next big thing from the Lankan nation and was also a part of the net bowlers campaign for CSK in the past. He registered figures of 4-0-13-0 against Morgan and Buttler in the crease and is a player to watch out for, especially against the Windies who have about 4 lefties in the top in the form of Lewis, Gayle, Hetmyer and Pooran.
Evin Lewis: The man from Trinidad is a player to reckon. His no-watch sixers with aplomb are a treat to watch and his confidence in clearing the ropes gives more strength to the team. He has been in fiery form from the CPL, carried it to the IPL for Rajasthan franchise and now is gunning for the national side.
Wanindu Hasaranga: The no.1 all rounder in the ICC rankings is the hero for the Lankan nation in this World Cup with his bowling and contribution with the bat. He and Shanaka saved the sinking ship of the Lankans against England before he got dismissed triggering a collapse. He is the trump card for the Lankans and his partnership with Theekshana would be a treat to watch against the Caribbeans.
Pitch Report:
Abu Dhabi stadium has been producing results which sometimes favour batting first and sometimes batting second. India registered a big target and had almost won with a mediocre margin against the Afghans last night. Pakistan also had Namibia almost and won with a mediocre margin. Win the toss, bat first, put up a big target and then defend them successfully.
Time and channels:
Match date: Friday, November 4
Match starts at 7:30 pm IST.
Live telecast: Star Sports Networks
Live streaming: Disney + Hotstar
PROBABLE 11:
WEST INDIES:- Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell , Jason Holder, Ravi Rampaul, Akeal Hosein
SRI LANKA:- Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (WK), Charitha Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
Dream 11 Team:
