West Indies aim for series-levelling win against Sri Lanka

With no play possible in the second ODI, both teams go into the third game well-rested. Perhaps this is a chance for the IPL returnees in particular to have caught their breath. The rain, though, may not have cleared in Kingston completely.

According to the forecast, showers are likely in the afternoon and also possible in the evening, though there may be dry spells in between. There is a chance this will be a stop-start match in which DLS calculations come into play.

Play will begin at 15:30h, Guyana time.

With a series win now beyond them, West Indies will be especially motivated to avoid being blanked at home. There is also the matter of their current 10th-placed ranking, which is not enough for them to gain automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup (cut-off is end of March next year).

They need every ranking point they can get over the next two months. Sri Lanka are slightly more comfortable, at sixth position, and about 12 points clear of the current cut-off. But they’ll want to build more of a cushion themselves.

In the first ODI, Sri Lanka’s dominance in the middle overs is what had won them the match. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga were economical on a helpful surface, where West Indies’ frontline spinner Gudakesh Motie had been hit out of the attack.

And Sri Lanka’s top six also showed serious hustle, picking up the tempo and keeping the runs flowing after Sri Lanka had had a poor powerplay with the bat.

These remain two relatively evenly-matched teams, however. With a little more discipline from their bowlers, West Indies are capable of leveling the series.

Team news

West Indies may think about bringing Shimron Hetmyer into the XI to shake up the batting a little. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph will miss the third ODI due to personal reasons, but is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the start of the T20I series. Seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer could get a game in place of Joseph.

West Indies (possible): 1 John Campbell, 2 Justin Greaves, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt.)(wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer/Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Matthew Forde, 8 Gudakesh Motie, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Shamar Springer, 11 Jayden Seales

Sri Lanka may keep their winning XI, but with so many quicks to choose from, may be tempted to give Eshan Malinga a run, especially if it’s a shortened match.

Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamindu Mendis, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt.)(wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Milan Rathnayake, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Asitha Fernando/Eshan Malinga (ESPNcricinfo)