SL vs WI 2024: Top 3 Players to watch out for in upcoming T20I series

Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2024: Top 3 Players to watch out for in upcoming T20I series. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Sri Lanka are all set to host the West Indies in a three-match T20I series. The three games will be played on October 13, 15, and 17 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Charith Asalanka and Rovman Powell will be leading Sri Lanka and the West Indies, respectively, in what promises to be a high-voltage series.

There hasn’t been much to separate these teams in the shortest format of the game. Out of the 15 matches they have played against each other, the Caribbean side managed to win eight. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka emerged victorious on seven occasions.

Sri Lanka are coming off a comprehensive 2-0 win against New Zealand in a home Test series. However, when they cast their minds back to their most recent 20-over performance, they will not be too pleased as they were whitewashed at home in a three-match T20I series by India in July. The Windies, on the other hand, completed a clean sweep over South Africa in a three-match T20I series in August and would be oozing confidence.

The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is known for being a high-scoring venue as the average first innings score in three T20Is is 188. Meanwhile, in T20 cricket, the average first innings score is 185. Both teams have a lot of firepower in their batting line-ups and fans can expect some big scores across the three games. The bowlers, on the other hand, will have to be on their toes and execute their plans properly to keep the destructive batters in check.

Let us look at 3 players who could mark a strong impact in the series:

3. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka is being touted by many as the next big thing in Sri Lankan cricket. He has been in fine form this year, having scored 320 runs from 12 T20I innings at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 148.83. He also finished as the highest run-getter in the T20I series against India, scoring 137 runs from three matches at an average of 45.67 and a strike rate of 138.38.

Nissanka will have to play a crucial role at the top of the order. He can up the ante from the get-go with his flamboyant approach to batting. He will look to come out all guns blazing inside the powerplay and get his team off to flying starts.

Nissanka is equally adept at playing spin and pace and the West Indies bowlers will want to see the back of him as soon as possible.  If the right-handed batter find his feet, he is difficult to dislodge. This allows the other Sri Lankan players to bat around him.

2. Shai Hope

Shai Hope made his debut for the West Indies in T20Is in 2017. However, he seemed like a misfit among the hard-hitting players in the team and that is why he couldn’t establish himself as a regular in the playing XI. However, in the last couple of years, he has improved his T20 game substantially and was rewarded with an Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Delhi Capitals this season.

In eight T20I appearances in 2024, Hope is averaging an impressive 42.83 and his strike rate is an awe-inspiring 172.48. The wicketkeeper-batter played a key role in helping Guyana Amazon Warriors reach the finals of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) earlier this month. He finished sixth on the list of leading run-getters in the tournament, batting with a decent strike rate of 135.29.

Hope can play the attacking game and also drop anchor if the West Indies lose too many wickets upfront. This quality sets him apart from his teammates, who are not known for their defensive game.

Also Check: Sri Lanka vs West Indies Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between SL vs WI?

1. Wanindu Hasaranga

Star Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has had his struggles with injuries in recent times, but he can play the role of the protagonist when he is in full flow. He is a beast in white-ball cricket, especially in T20Is. In 71 matches for Sri Lanka in T20Is, the 27-year-old has picked up 114 wickets at an average of 15.69 and an economy rate of 6.93.

Hasaranga can also play an important role with the bat if he is pushed up the order. He hits the ball to unusual places and makes it very difficult for captains to set appropriate fields.

The Galle-born has a fantastic record against the West Indies in T20Is, as he has picked up 11 wickets from just 20 overs (five innings). His all-round capabilities make Hasaranga an invaluable member of the Sri Lankan team and if he is in full swing, he can win games by himself.