Following Sri Lanka’s convincing 6-wicket win in the 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series opener against visitors West Indies, the latter face a must-win task in the 2nd ODI on the 18th of June 2024, at Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota, at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi De Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoshi Fernando, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala
West Indies – Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (VC), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams, Kate Wilmott
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
The 34-year-old all-rounder, averaging 36.60, has racked up 3551 runs from 102 ODI outings, registering the highest score of 195*, while also taking 30 wickets from 52 innings, with her best being 3/31. Chamari has displayed outstanding all-around form lately, and in the series opener, while returning figures of 1/22, she added 38 runs to the tally. It is hoped she converts this into a substantial score.
Sugandika Kumari
The 32-year-old left-arm off-spinner has scalped 28 wickets from 32 ODIs, including a best of 4/39, maintaining an economy rate of 4.93. Sugandika can also be handy with the bat on occasion. Her bowling returns from her previous 3 ODIs read 2/67, 0/53, and 3/30. With the wicket favorable for spin and given the start she has had to the series; she can be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Stafanie Taylor
The 33-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 152 outings, has piled on 5674 runs at an average of 43.64 and from 137 bowling innings, she has taken 155 wickets at an economy rate of 3.56, with best figures of 4/17. Stafanie hasn’t bowled much lately, but in her recent series against Pakistan, she produced figures of 2/29. Her previous three batting scores read 73, 47, and 33. She’ll be backed to step up her efforts.
Afy Fletcher
The 37-year-old leg-spinner, from 63 ODI outings, has taken 85 wickets, including the best of 4/22, maintaining an economy rate of 4.06 and from 52 innings, Afy has added 334 runs to her tally. She hasn’t been required much with the bat but has continued her bowling form from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, recording figures of 2/19, 2/46, 0/18, and 2/31 in her previous few ODIs. She can be counted on for her contributions.
Pitch:
With an average score in the 190s, the pitch at the venue offers a well-balanced contest between bat and ball. However, bowlers generally have the upper hand, and batters who spend sufficient time in the middle benefit, as scoring becomes easier.
Weather:
The conditions are favorable for a game of cricket in Hambantota with partly cloudy skies, moderate winds, and a humidity level of 71%. The temperature is expected to range in the early 30s, and the likelihood of rain is minimal.
Fantasy playing XI:
Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu, Hayley Matthews, Kavisha Dilhari, Afy Fletcher, Sugandika Kumari, Aaliyah Alleyne
Match details:
Date – June 18, 2024
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
