Last Updated on 7 days by Charbel Coorey

T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

It has been a disappointing campaign so far for West Indies. One of the fancied teams heading into the T20 World Cup, the Windies have not got going. Worse, their two defeats have been by very heavy margins, culminating in their net run rate of -1.598.

But, their last start win against Bangladesh and potential to score massive totals keeps the Windies alive. But, as Ian Smith puts it, by the barest of margins. They must beat Sri Lanka convincingly today and hope South Africa lose convincingly to England later this week, which then means a likely showdown with Australia to decide the final Semi Finals spot. It seems unlikely, but a care-free Windies is a dangerous proposition.

It is also unlikely because Sri Lanka have held their own quite well in the tournament. They are the only team to challenge England so far, with the brilliant Jos Buttler proving the key difference between the sides. With Wanindu Hasaranga in such fine form, the Lions can hope to end their campaign, which promised so much at times, on a positive note.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

West Indies:

• Evin Lewis had a sub-par series against Sri Lanka earlier in 2021. He scored 55 runs in three matches at an average of 18.33 and strike rate of 161.76. Lewis scored 27 in his only T20 at Abu Dhabi to date at a strike rate of 225.
• Roston Chase struggled on a slow pitch against Bangladesh (39 off 46 balls). The Abu Dhabi surface is more conducive to strokeplay, and Chase could benefit. He was outstanding in CPL, with the most runs of any player (446, avg. 49.55, SR 144.33).
• Kieron Pollard smashed six sixes against Sri Lanka earlier this year (vs Akila Dananjaya). However, his overall record against Sri Lanka is cause for improvement: 11 inns, 150 runs, avg. 15.00, SR 140.19.
• Pollard does love batting at Abu Dhabi. He has smashed 216 runs on this ground at an average of 43.20 and strike rate of 144.00.
• Andre Russell’s 139 runs vs Sri Lanka come at an average of 34.75 and impressive strike rate of 204.41. However, Russell will be aiming to improve on a poor record at Abu Dhabi: 10 inns, 72 runs, avg. 10.29, SR 122.03.
• Nicholas Pooran was simply outstanding against Bangladesh, winning player of the match with his 40 off 22 balls. He will be looking to improve on his record vs Sri Lanka that reads: 45 runs, avg. 11.25.
• Dwayne Bravo has the most runs (224) and most wickets (14) of any West Indies player against Sri Lanka.
• Jason Holder was a welcome addition to the Windies team against Bangladesh (15* off 5 balls, 1/22). He took three wickets in as many matches vs Sri Lanka earlier this year, along with 52 runs (one dismissal).

Sri Lanka:

• Wanindu Hasaranga has been outstanding. He has taken the most wickets (14) in the tournament. Plus, he took eight wickets in three matches against West Indies earlier this year (econ. 5.26).
• Pathum Nissanka scored the most runs in the WI-SL three-match T20I series earlier in 2021 (81 runs, avg. 27.00, SR 115.71). He also has scored the most runs for Sri Lanka in the tournament: 170 runs, avg. 24.28, SR 115.64.
• Charith Asalanka has been in good touch, but can he build on his starts? He has scored 37, 21 and 21 since his superb 49-ball 80* against Bangladesh.
• Can Kusal Perera finish a difficult campaign on a high? He has scored 159 runs in five matches against West Indies at an average of 31.80 and strike rate of 152.88.
• Dushmantha Chameera vs West Indies in 2021: three matches, four wickets, avg. 19.50, econ. 7.09.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 14, West Indies 7, Sri Lanka 7.
• West Indies beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in their T20I series earlier this year.
• Akeal Hosein has taken four wickets in three matches in this T20 World Cup.
• Time is running out for the Universe Boss Chris Gayle, who continues to struggle. His record against Sri Lanka does not make for pretty reading: 8 inns, 105 runs, avg. 15.00, SR 81.40.

Possible Playing 11

West Indies could look at playing the same XI that just beat Bangladesh.

West Indies: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Roston Chase, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Kieron Pollard (c), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 8. Jason Holder, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Akeal Hosein, 11. Ravi Rampaul

Lahiru Kumara has been very expensive in recent matches, so Sri Lanka could look to bring in Binura Fernando in his place.

Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Perera (wk), 3. Charith Asalanka, 4. Avishka Fernando, 5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Chamika Karunaratne, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Binura Fernando

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

India smashed 210/2 on this ground yesterday. It looked an excellent batting track. There has been assistance for both batsmen and pacers at Abu Dhabi in recent times.

If West Indies win the toss, they could look to bat first and score big as they need to do a lot of catching up on net run rate. Dew is likely to appear again.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

• Wicket-keepers: Kusal Perera
• Batsmen: Evin Lewis, Charith Asalanka
• All-rounders: Jason Holder, Wanindu Hasaranga
• Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Dushmantha Chameera

Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?

Match Prediction

West Indies, with their depth, power and experience, should win this must-win match.