Sri Lanka vs West Indies, SL vs WI, Today Match Prediction 21 November 2021

sl vs win Match Prediction & Analysis

After a strict diet of T20 cricket over the past couple of months, it will be interesting to see how Sri Lanka and West Indies adapt to the rigors of Test cricket. West Indian batsmen have traditionally struggled on sub-continent pitches and they would be wary of the home team’s spin resources. Both the teams had disappointing outings in the recently concluded T20 World Cup and would be eager to start the new series with a win. The experience of the home side on these conditions could prove to be the key, particularly as West Indies haven’t played any Tests in these conditions for a while.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sri Lanka Preview

Sri Lanka have announced a strong 22-member squad for the two matches. Led by Dimuth Karunaratne, the team has four frontline spinners in Lakshan Sandakan, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, and Lasith Embuldenia along with six pace options. The team is likely to go for at least three spin-bowling options given the conditions and given how susceptible many West Indian batsmen are against slow bowling. Their pace department would be led by the experienced Suranga Lakmal and can include other names like Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, or Asitha Fernando.

The batting department would depend a lot on skipper Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal along with senior allrounder Angelo Mathews. Karunaratne has been in excellent touch and scored 118 and 66 respectively in Sri Lanka’s last Test match against Bangladesh in May. The other batsmen to watch out for would be Dhananjaya De Silva, Oshada Fernando, and youngster Charith Asalanka who recently impressed in the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Dimuth Karunarathne (C), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya De Silva, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Ramesh Mendis, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Praveen Jayawickrama

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Ramesh Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dimuth Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Dinesh Chandimal, Oshada Fernando

West Indies Preview

West Indies last played a Test series in August – a two-match affair against Pakistan which finished 1-1. It included a thrilling contest where the Windies clinched victory by just one wicket. 

Kraigg Braithwaite will lead a well-balanced side that has a good mix of youth and experience. With spin likely to play a big role in Galle, bowler Rahkeem Cornwall and all-rounder Roston Chase will be key for the tourists. All-rounder Jason Holder, who has good experience now of bowling in sub-continent pitches, will be another man who can make a difference for the team. 20-year-old fast bowler Jayden Seales is an exciting prospect and it will be interesting to see if he can rough up the Lankan top-order.

On the batting front, apart from skipper Braithwaite, vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood, Shai Hope, Nkrumah Bonner, and Roston Chase are expected to hold the batting unit together. Uncapped player Jermy Solozano is likely to open the innings alongside Brathwaite as he has impressed the selectors with his composure. 

West Indies Predicted Playing XI:

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermy Solozano, Shai Hope, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales

West Indies Actual Playing XI:

Jeremy Solozano, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Jomel Warrican, Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The Galle International Stadium has traditionally been suitable for spinners to favor the home side and expect the same in the first Test. While it will be good for batting in the first couple of days, the pitch will begin to slow down from the third day on and could also crumble by the last two days.

The weather in Galle for all the five fays is expected to be clear and pleasant with the maximum temperature hovering around the 30-degree mark.

Venue Details

Of the 35 matches played at the Galle International Stadium, 19 have been won by the team batting first and 10 have been taken by one batting second. The average first innings score here is 369 and it drops down to 154 in the final innings.

Toss: To Bat

A whopping 61% of the matches at Galle have been won by the team batting second. However, since it’s the first Test of the series, the team winning the toss could look to bat first and try and post a healthy total to get the advantage first.