Sri Lanka opt to bat in second T20 against West Indies

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (AFP) — Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat in the second T20 against West Indies at Dambulla on Tuesday as they seek to level the series.

The West Indies lead the three-match series 1-0 after a commanding five-wicket victory on Sunday.

“We need a couple of batters to get big scores and others to chip in,” Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka said. “We expect the spinners to play a big role”.

The West Indies are third in the ICC T20 rankings while Sri Lanka languish in eighth.

“We are happy to chase,” said West Indies Captain Rovman Powell. “It is just a case of us playing good cricket, to put the opposition under pressure.”

The final T20 against the West Indies, also at Dambulla, will be played on Thursday.

The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

Teams

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara

West Indies: Rovman Powell (capt), Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph

Umpires: Lyndon Hannibal (SRI) and Raveendra Wimalasiri (SRI)

Third Umpire: Prageeth Rambukwella (SRI)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)