WI bowl first in drizzly Kingston; Malinga, Jangoo named in XIs

West Indies Opt to Bowl in Must-Win ODI

West Indies won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat in what is a must-win second ODI in Jamaica for the hosts. Sri Lanka lead the three-match series 1-0.

The toss itself was delayed by 30 minutes following rain earlier in the day, and it was the possibility of rain intervening later on that influenced Shai Hope’s decision to field first. Kusal Mendis was expecting the conditions to be tough to start with, so they will be aiming to ride that initial period out. Rain returned just moments before the first ball too.

Team News

In terms of team news, both teams have made a change each. For the West Indies it is enforced, with Matthew Forde picking up an injury and replaced by Amir Jangoo. Sri Lanka meanwhile bring in the red-hot Eshan Malinga, fresh off a breakout IPL stint, in place of Asitha Fernando.

Conditions were overcast as the toss took place, and there is a distinct possibility of rain interruption at some point during the game. As for the pitch, it’s expected to be similar to the one in the first game. Spin will play a role, while batting will likely be tough early on – mostly due to the cloudy overhead conditions – before easing up once the ball gets older.

Team Lineups

West Indies XI: 1 John Campbell, 2 Justin Greaves, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Amir Jangoo, 8 Gudakesh Motie, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Shamar Joseph, 11 Jayden Seales.

Sri Lanka XI: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamindu Mendis, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt & wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Milan Rathnayake, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Eshan Malinga