West Indies have opted to chase again. Shai Hope called correctly at the toss in Kingston and, much like in the opening match, asked Sri Lanka to set a target in the second of three T20Is. The home side are 1-0 up after that seven-wicket win but have still tweaked their XI: Shamar Springer replaces Jason Holder, who felt a niggle this morning and was not risked despite being Player of the Match two nights ago.
Sri Lanka, beaten but hardly blown away in game one, have shuffled their resources too. Kamil Mishara returns to the top order in place of Lasith Croospulle, while left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage comes in for the pace of Dilshan Madushanka. The visitors look a touch lighter on outright speed, a touch heavier on craft.
The weather, worryingly grey before the series began, behaved itself at start time. Sabina Park offered a hard surface with one conspicuous bare patch. Pitch-side, Carlos Brathwaite pointed straight at it and warned viewers that “the ball could turn sharply off that bit”, though he still forecast “a fairly even contest overall”. If it does grip, the likes of Akeal Hosein and Wellalage might have a say sooner than usual.
Key facts sorted, a little context: West Indies have won six of their last seven completed T20Is at home, most by hunting down totals on grounds where boundaries tempt the batter. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have travelled with a squad high on spin options—Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana the headline acts—so the decision to bat may not displease them. Runs on the board, as the old line goes, especially on a surface that could slow.
Playing XIs
West Indies: Shai Hope (capt & wk), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Shamar Springer.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (capt & wk), Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga.
A clearer sky, a curious surface and a couple of fresh faces—enough ingredients, you’d think, for a competitive evening.
