West Indies vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – 3rd T20I, Sabina Park

The T20I series moves to its third game at Sabina Park, where West Indies will rely on a batting order that runs deep. Shai Hope leads, with Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell all expected to feature, and Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph supplying plenty of bowling options.

Sri Lanka, captained by Kusal Mendis, have a top order built around Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis, with Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga providing all-round strength. Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga and Maheesh Theekshana are the main bowling options in our likely XI.

Sabina Park tends to favour strokeplay thanks to its bounce, carry and fast outfield, though the new ball can still bring seam movement early on. Both teams have explosive hitters, so the powerplay is likely to be a major deciding factor, and defending a total in the high 160s may be a tough job.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Sabina Park usually produces a fairly balanced T20 surface with a slight edge for fast bowlers early on. There is good pace and bounce, and seamers can get movement with the new ball, particularly under humid or evening conditions. Batting becomes easier as the innings goes on thanks to a quick outfield, while spinners may help in the middle overs if it slows. Scores of 165–180 are often competitive.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 165–180
• 2nd innings: 160–175