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The defending champions West Indies are in danger of getting knocked out in the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. In a must-win game, they will take on Sri Lanka in a Group 1 fixture at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on November 4.
The two-time former champions West Indies, who came into the tournament as one of the favourites, were bowled out for just 55 by England and lost the game with 11.4 overs remaining.
They put on a better display in the second game, posting 143 on the board against South Africa but lost by eight wickets. WI finally managed to open their account against Bangladesh with a tight victory by three runs.
Sri Lanka’s semi-finals hopes are over after losing three matches out of four. They had a terrific start in the Super 12s after running riot in Round One. They chased down 172 against Bangladesh at Sharjah but then went on to lose three on the trot.
SL were handed a seven-wicket defeat by Australia before losing to South Africa in a close game by four wickets. Sri Lanka lost their last game against England by 26 runs as they couldn’t take advantage of the situation in their favour.
Sri Lanka will be looking to put up a strong performance to end their campaign on a positive note. The West Indies will be desperate for a big win as they need to improve their net run-rate of -1.598 while also hoping that South Africa lose badly against England.
Key players
The world no. 2 ranked bowler in T20 internationals, Wanindu Hasaranga has claimed 34 wickets in 19 games this year at 5.47 runs per over and 11.76 runs per wicket. He’s the highest wicket-taker in the world cup with 14 wickets in seven games at 5.26 rpo. He has contributed with the bat as well, scoring 71 off 47 against Bangladesh and 34 off 21 against England.
Nicholas Pooran has the ability to smash spinners and full length while also possessing great intent. The southpaw has over 3700 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 24.28 while striking at 143.48. In his last 10 innings, Pooran has scored 207 runs averaging 34.50 at a strike rate of 145.77. Pooran was the only Windies batter who timed the ball well in middle overs with an outstanding 40 off 22.
Jason Holder has often been underrated but offers very good value with both bat and ball. The all-rounder, who wasn’t in the original squad, came in as Obed McCoy’s replacement and made an immediate impact against Bangladesh. Holder smashed a crucial 15* off 5 with the bat before returning with 1/22 in his four overs. Holder, who has over 1300 runs in T20s, could be promoted up the order to split the left handers.
Maheesh Theekshana has bowled exceedingly well in the world cup, picking 8 wickets in six matches while conceding at just 5.52 runs per over, including best of 3/17 against Ireland. The mistery spinner was exceptional in the last game against England, conceding only 13 in his four overs. With four left handers in Windies top 6, Theekshana will have an important role to play.
Prediction
There’s nothing to separate these two teams as far as their head to head record is concerned. Both the teams have seven victories each from 14 meetings in T20 internationals. However, the West Indies have had the upper hand recently, winning four of the last five.
The men in maroon have been struggling with their batting as the likes of Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, and Andre Russell are out of form. The threat of the ball spinning away has also caused them plenty of trouble. The bowling department has looked decent. The addition of Jason Holder has opened a few options for them.
Sri Lanka have an outstanding spin attack of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. They also have the pace in the bowling department but it can be taken apart. Sri Lanka’s batting is dependent on Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga.
West Indies will walk into the game as favourites, but the toss is likely to play a huge role.
