Sri Lanka Chooses to Bat First on a Dry Sabina Park

Toss Sri Lanka choose to bat against West Indies

The teams have concentrated on matters within their control. Although the series consists of three matches and has been delayed by two earlier washouts, both captains were eager to take the field.

Sri Lanka announced their XI a day earlier, a practice now common under new head coach Gary Kirsten. The squad features a six‑batter, five‑bowler balance with three seamers and two specialist spinners. Lasith Croospulle is included at number three, making his second T20I appearance.

West Indies added an extra seamer, forming a four‑pace attack by replacing Gudakesh Motie. Akeal Hossain will captain the spin contingent, with Roston Chase providing support.

The pitch is expected to deliver bounce and carry, though it is somewhat uneven. With clear weather after a brief drizzle at the toss, an entertaining evening of cricket is likely.

Sri Lanka XI: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (capt & wk ), 3 Lasith Croospulle, 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Maheesh Theekshana, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Eshan Malinga, 11 Dilshan Madushanka.

West Indies XI: 1 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 2 Brandon King, 3 Shimron Hetmyer, 4 Roston Chase, 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Jason Holder, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Matthew Forde, 10 Akeal Hosein, 11 Shamar Joseph

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