Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd ODI – 26/2/2020

Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd ODI Preview – Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News and Predictions – 26/2/2020

Sri Lanka won the series opener by just one wicket on the back of a fighting performance from the lower order. The West Indies‘ defence was spirited, but ultimately not enough. Opportunity knocks for both teams to right the wrongs in Colombo with improved showings in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka’s win in the first ODI and home ground advantage will again see them as favourites among free cricket betting tips for this series. Read on about the team news and latest odds for the second match, as the men in blue and maroon go again.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd ODI – Match Preview

Where: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

When: Wednesday, 26 February 2020

Pitch conditions: Sri Lanka last played ODI cricket at this ground in 2017 and lost both matches to Zimbabwe after batting first. Historically, this venue has favoured the team batting second. Nine of the last 12 completed ODIs here have brought defeat to the team who batted first. Whoever wins the toss on Wednesday, then, will likely opt to bowl first.

Weather conditions: A 10 percent chance of rain will likely be quashed by high humidity levels and an expected high of 32 degrees Celsius in Hambantota on Wednesday.

Start Time: 14:30 (IST), 9:00 (GMT)

Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd ODI – Latest Odds

Sri Lanka and the West Indies are priced at 1.66 and 2.20, respectively, by bet365 to win the second ODI. This will be the men from the Caribbean’s first ODI at this ground. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have only won three of their last 10 ODIs in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd ODI – Team News

The Sri Lankans opted for twin wrist-spin in Lakshan Sandakan and Wanindu Hasaranga in Colombo, where conditions were appropriate for the combination. The same is likely in Hambantota. The hosts have no genuine reason to change their XI, though, might want a return for Niroshan Dickwella.

For Dickwella to get into the XI, they would probably have to shed an all-rounder – Thisara Perera perhaps. That would mean Isuru Udana, Angelo Mathews or a spinner would need to share the new ball with fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep. Alternatively, Dhananjaya de Silva could give way.

The West Indies opted for Hayden Walsh junior ahead of Fabian Allen. Leg-spinner Walsh took two wickets, but proved rather expensive. It might be worth reverting to left-arm finger-spinner Allen for the second ODI, especially if he has full recovered from a knee injury.

The tourists will demand a lot more of Sheldon Cottrell in Hambantota. He was off colour in Colombo, where openers Avishka Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne were able to take him on with reasonable ease. The Windies only bowled 11 overs of spin in Colombo, but might require more in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies ODI Squads

Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd ODI – Betting Tips and Prediction

Opposing captains Kieron Pollard and Karunaratne play with conflicting styles – and are at the fore of the head-to-head battles expected during the second ODI.

Karunaratne to be top batsman for Sri Lanka

Captain Karunaratne put together a characteristically workmanlike half-century in Colombo, setting his team up for a successful chase. He is an old-school opener, intent on ground play and pushing ones and twos rather than bashing sixes. He is priced by bet365 at 4.50 to be Sri Lanka’s top batsman in Hambantota.

Elsewhere in the Sri Lanka order, Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando at 5.00 each in the same market are good shouts among our free cricket betting tips. There is a solidity to the Sri Lankan middle order that Perera can keep going, especially if freed up of the wicketkeeping duties on Dickwella’s return.

Pollard to pave the way for West Indies

Pollard’s way of play is quite different to Karunaratne. He nudges and nurdles, yes, but when it’s time to tee of he is quick to do so. As the captain, before his departure for the Pakistan Super League, Pollard might consider batting himself up the order. Regardless, he’s priced at 6.50 to be the top batsman for the West Indies, which are good odds if goes up the order.

Bowling-wise, a return to the XI for Allen could see him oblige odds of 5.50 to be the top bowler for the West Indies. Turning the ball away from the right-handers would effectively replicate the role of Walsh, who does the same but predominantly his wrist rather than his fingers.

Best Bet: Dimuth Karunaratne to be Sri Lanka’s top batsman at 4.50 with bet365