Sri Lanka, with two convincing wins in low-scoring games, have secured the 3-match One Day International (ODI) series over visitors West Indies with a game still to be played. The 3rd ODI is scheduled for 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 21st of June 2024, at Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota.
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 – Shemaine Campbelle (C), 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:
Vishmi Gunaratne
The 18-year-old opening batter, from 14 ODIs, has accumulated 245 runs and registered the highest score of 50, but importantly, looks to have found her footing in the longer format with scores of 40 and 50 in the first couple of ODIs in this series. Vishmi has looked in good touch and it’ll be expected that she extends this run of form, leading the scoring.
Achini Kulasuriya
The 34-year-old pacer, from 22 ODIs, has scalped 12 wickets, including the best of 3/50, maintaining an economy rate of 4.95. Achini hasn’t taken a lot of wickets but has been economical. However, in this series, her returns read 1/30 and 2/16. The team will count on the seasoned pacer to continue this bowling form while also chipping in with the bat.
Shemaine Campbelle
The 31-year-old keeper-batter, from 98 ODI innings, has posted 1586 runs at an average of 19.82 and registered the highest score of 105. Shemaine has consistently been amongst runs across formats but has only managed starts. While she scored 27 runs in the series opener, she departed for 9 in the following game and hopefully step up her efforts, scoring big runs.
Aaliyah Alleyne
The 29-year-old all-rounder, from 25 ODI outings, has bagged 20 wickets maintaining an economy rate of 4.91, and added 265 runs to the tally, registering respective bests of 2/4 and 35. Aaliyah has not only returned bowling figures of 2/22 and 1/15 but also chipped in with the bat, registering scores of 14 and 16. She can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Pitch:
The slow and dry center wicket at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium offers favorable conditions for spinners, leading to a modest average score. Batters face challenges on this track but can convert their starts once they settle in.
Weather:
Despite mostly cloudy skies, the chances of rain are very low, and it should be a good day for cricket in Hambantota. The temperature is expected to hover around 31°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 77%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Shemaine Campbelle, Rashada Williams, Stafanie Taylor, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari, Sugandika Kumari, Karishma Ramharack, Achini Kulasuriya, Aaliyah Alleyne
Match details:
Date – June 21, 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.