Cricket Match Prediction | Sri Lanka vs West Indies | 2nd ODI | Oct 23 – Can SL win the series with one match to spare?

SL vs WI Match Analysis

The second ODI of a three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies will occur at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on October 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. BDT. Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies in the opening One-Day International (ODI) at Pallekele, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. They have been a dominant force in this format on home soil.

West Indies’ form has been in sharp decline, and with little time to reflect on the first game’s loss, they must quickly regroup to keep the series alive and push it to a decider. Despite the defeat, the visitors managed spin better than anticipated and will enter the second match with renewed confidence, believing they can still challenge Sri Lanka in foreign conditions where the ball constantly spins.

SL vs WI Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance in the first game, securing an early lead and now looking to maintain their winning momentum to clinch the 3-match series. Debutant Nishan Madushka impressed at the top of the order with a crucial half-century, setting the stage for a successful chase in the rain-affected match. He received strong support from captain Charith Asalanka, who also contributed with a half-century for SL.

The batting lineup is further bolstered by Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Sadeera Samarawickrama in the top and middle order. All-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage provide depth to the batting.

Hasaranga, who boasts an excellent record at Pallekele, will be a key bowler for the SL. He will be supported by Jeffrey Vandersay and Wellalage in the spin attack, while Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage are expected to lead the pace attack with the new ball.

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Nishan Madushka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage.

West Indies

The West Indies will be disappointed with their performance on this tour. After winning the first T20I, their form has declined, with three consecutive losses across formats. Despite possessing a strong batting lineup, WI has struggled to post match-winning totals. The opening duo of Alick Athanaze and Brandon King has been out of form, both individually and as a pair, which proved costly during the powerplay.

The middle order includes several all-rounders, such as Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, and Roston Chase, but none have made a significant impact with the bat. Sherfane Rutherford led a spirited counterattack in the last game, scoring an unbeaten 74 under pressure, though his innings was cut short by rain.

Shai Hope will need to take on greater responsibility if the visitors are to secure a win. The bowlers struggled in the previous game due to a slippery ball and wet outfield conditions. Despite this, West Indies is unlikely to change their bowling lineup, which will continue to feature Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Hayden Walsh. 

West Indies Squads

West Indies

Shai Hope, Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Hayden Walsh.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies outfield report

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

Early on, choosing to bat first appeared to be a wise decision, but Sri Lanka found it easy to chase down the score. Furthermore, the chasing club has won six of the previous ten games played here. Despite the possibility of rain stopping play, it is easy to picture the captain who wins the toss electing to field first. 

The game is predicted to be cloudy, with the possibility of an afternoon shower. Reaching a par score won’t do because the second match is expected to take place in identical conditions. In order to challenge the chasing team, the side batting first would aim to reach a respectable total of between 280 and 300.

SL vs WI Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

West Indies won three and Sri Lanka won two in their last five face-offs.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Sri Lanka has a 69% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.