ICC World T20 2014, Sri Lanka vs West Indies Preview: Spin scrap set for Semi Final

Last time Sri Lanka and West Indies met in a T20 format was in the final of World T20 2009.

Updated: April 3, 2014 3:28 PM IST

By Aamir Salati

ICC World T20 2014, Sri Lanka vs West Indies Preview: Spin scrap set for Semi Final
Getty Images
Getty Images

Getty Images

Last time Sri Lanka and West Indies met in a T20 format was in the final of World T20 2012. West Indies won that match and it remains the only match where West Indies have defeated Sri Lanka, out of five T20Is played between the two sides. A ‘’rematch’’ of 2012 final is on offer and Sri Lanka will be keen to avenge, but will they?

West Indies have been based in Mirpur and played all its league games there. They have adapted to the conditions very well and have also suited their bowling. West Indies are on a roll after impressive wins against Australia and Pakistan. In both these games Captain Darren Sammy played a heroic role with the bat. West Indies have backed their batting with crafty bowling and pulsating fielding. They are upbeat at the moment and camp looks gelled together. West Indies houses power hitters across their batting line up and they are not reliant on any one player. If Chris Gayle fails, Dwayne Bravo sparks, if Krishmar Santokie struggles, Samuel Badree captivates. West Indies have done exceedingly well to make a place for themselves in semi-final after their loss to India in first match.

Sri Lanka has dominated the group one thanks to gleams against The Netherlands. They have been based in Chittagong where wicket was not that helpful to spinners than it has been in Mirpur. This will entice Sri Lanka as spin is their prime weapon and Mirpur is the venue for decisive clash. Rangana Herath played just one match in this tournament and it only took him that match to make opposition fear him. He will be a key in fact master key for Sri Lanka. Kusal Perera has been revelation at the top, in his limited stay at crease he has been clout with the bat. And then there are couple of all-rounders like Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera who bring in dimensions to this Sri Lankan side. Dinesh Chandimal after facing one match ban will most probably be back to lead in a crucial tie.

Impact Players: Man to man both teams have nearly same resources, some power hitters, some delicate batsmen, some turners and slingshot pacers. Chris Gayle has all the ingredients to dazzle and rip apart Lankan bowling. Come hell or high water Kumar Sangakkara has been there for Sri Lanka, with dismal outing so far he will be itching to contribute, expect ‘’Sanga Special’’.

Weak Links: Middle order batting has been worry for both the teams Marlon Samuels and Dinesh Chandimal for their respective sides have not fired and their form is of major concern.

Both West Indies and Sri Lanka have arsenal full of spinners and will be interesting to see how they counter each other.

Squads:

Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Lasith Malinga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwaan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Sachithra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, Seekuge Prasanna, Rangana Herath.

West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith.

Check the T20 World Cup 2014 Schedule: Match Time Table & Fixture Details here

For ICC World Twenty20 2014 Points Table, Match Results and Team Standings click here

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