West Indies opt to bat in Sri Lanka T20 decider

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (AFP) — West Indies opted to bat first after winning the toss in Thursday’s series-deciding third T20 against Sri Lanka at Dambulla.

The tourists brought in wicketkeeper Shai Hope and spinner Fabian Allen in place of Andre Fletcher and Shamar Springer.

Sri Lanka, chasing their first bilateral T20 series win against the Windies, kept the same team that won Tuesday’s second match by an emphatic 73 runs.

“It looks a very dry wicket,” West Indies captain Rovman Powell said.

“Hopefully we put a good total on the board and defend it. We would be happy with a total of 140.”

Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka said he would have also asked to bat first.

“We played well in the last game and we need to continue the same here. Pathum Nissanka was having a niggle but he has pulled through and good to go,” he added.

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

West Indies: Rovman Powell (capt), Roston Chase, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Fabian Allen, Shamar Joseph.

Umpires: Prageeth Rambukwella (SRI) and Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI)

Third Umpire: Raveendra Wimalasiri (SRI)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)