Sri Lanka vs. West Indies T20 Series: This could be the series changer for Sri Lanka

By Shamseer Jaleel in Kandy

Sri Lanka, who will need to qualify for the T20 World Cup at the end of the year, will face current T20 World Champions West Indies in the first T20 encounter of the ongoing tour, which will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium tonight at 6.45 pm. But the West Indies have failed to produce winning results in this format in the recent past, which gives the hosts a good chance to make a comeback 

in T20.

West Indies possess too many game changers, which is a major threat for the home team. Led by Kieron Pollard, one of the best in this format who could spoil the party at any moment. He will be playing his 500th T20 game, which is a record for any player in this format. Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Shimron Hetmyer too are no pushovers, having ample experience under their belt. The bowling line-up is weaker in comparison, with Dwayne Bravo being most threatening.

For Sri Lanka, this could be the series where Malinga and co. return to form and change things around before the T20 World Cup in Australia at the end of this year. They have lost out both to India and Australia in the recent past, but these two games will decide the fate of many players. Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews in bowling, and Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella and Thisara Perera will need to lead the batting outfit. Two local boys from the Central Hills, Niroshan Dickwella and Lahiru Kumara, will be playing in this encounter. Importantly, Malinga's leadership too will be tested in this series before the T20 World Cup at the end of the year.

• West Indies (probable)

Lendl Simmons, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (capt), Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr, Sheldon Cottrell, Kesrick Williams or Oshane Thomas

• Sri Lanka (probable)

Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga (capt) and Lahiru Kumara