Sri Lanka Opt to Bowl First Against West Indies in Rain-Affected ODI

In a rain-shortened second ODI, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl against West Indies. The toss was delayed by two hours and 15 minutes, ultimately resulting in the match being reduced to 44 overs per side.

Drizzle plagued the match, forcing the early curtailment. Speaking after winning the toss, Asalanka explained, “Our preference was to chase, especially considering the possibility of Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculations coming into play.” West Indies captain Shai Hope echoed this sentiment, stating, “I would have bowled first as well.”

West Indies currently trail 1-0 in the series after losing Sunday’s rain-affected encounter. Despite the setback, the team has opted to field the same lineup. Sri Lanka, however, have made a strategic change, replacing legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay with mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

Teams

**Sri Lanka:** 1 Nishan Madushka, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Kamindu Mendis, 8 Wanindu Hasranga, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Asitha Fernando, 11 Maheesh Theekshana

**West Indies:** 1 Alick Athanaze, 2 Brandon King, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt, wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Romario Shepherd, 8 Hayden Walsh, 9 Gudakesh Motie, 10 Jayden Seales, 11 Alzarri Joseph

Don’t miss the action! Follow live updates and analysis throughout the match.