Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka, which is being played on a dry surface at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors have opted for a balanced bowling strategy, featuring a genuine combination of two pace bowlers and two spinners, which allows them to adapt effectively to varying pitch conditions. This setup is complemented by a few all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball, providing added flexibility to the team.
Sri Lanka has handed an ODI debut to 25-year-old opening-batter Nishan Madushka, with Pathum Nissanka missing out due to a quadriceps strain that was aggravated during the T20I series. The hosts are left with only one frontline pacer, Asitha Fernando, while Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the side, and Maheesh Theekshana has been left out.
West Indies (Playing XI): Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (C/WK), Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Hayden Walsh, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph
Sri Lanka XI: Nishan Madushka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
