Sri Lanka Opt to Bowl First in Rain-Shortened Second ODI Against West Indies
In a rain-affected second ODI, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against West Indies. The toss was delayed by over two hours due to drizzle, and the match was reduced to a 44-overs-a-side affair.
Asalanka explained that his decision was based on his team’s preference to chase, especially in a match where Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculations could come into play. West Indies captain Shai Hope also indicated that he would have chosen to bowl first.
West Indies, trailing 1-0 in the series, fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous loss. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, replaced legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay with mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana.
Sri Lanka Team:
* Nishan Madushka
* Avishka Fernando
* Kusal Mendis (wk)
* Sadeera Samarawickrama
* Charith Asalanka (capt)
* Janith Liyanage
* Kamindu Mendis
* Wanindu Hasranga
* Dunith Wellalage
* Asitha Fernando
* Maheesh Theekshana
West Indies Team:
* Alick Athanaze
* Brandon King
* Keacy Carty
* Shai Hope (capt, wk)
* Sherfane Rutherford
* Roston Chase
* Romario Shepherd
* Hayden Walsh
* Gudakesh Motie
* Jayden Seales
* Alzarri Joseph
The match commenced with West Indies batting first, aiming to level the series. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will be tasked with containing the West Indian batters and building on their advantage in the series.
