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West Indies
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka and the West Indies will begin their ODI series with the first match at Sabina Park, Kingston. This will be their first ODI meeting since October 2024, when Sri Lanka secured a 2-1 series victory. Both teams will enter this contest with largely full-strength squads and will look to make a strong start to the series.
Shai Hope will lead the West Indies, while Sri Lanka will play under the leadership of Kusal Mendis. The conditions at Kingston are expected to be windy, which could help the ball travel well and produce another high-scoring contest.
Sri Lanka has won 3 of the last 5 ODIs against West Indies, while West Indies has won two. An interesting trend is that all 5 of those matches were won by the team chasing. That statistic will make the toss an important factor.
Pathum Nissanka has scored over 400 runs in his last 10 ODIs and remains Sri Lanka's most consistent top-order batter, making him a strong candidate to play another meaningful innings in this match.
The betting tip is...
Pathum Nissanka - Over 25.5 runs
63 %
37 %
West IndiesSri LankaShimron Hetmyer and Alzarri Joseph return to the ODI squad. Hetmyer makes his comeback after last playing an ODI against England in June 2025 and missed the subsequent series against Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
However, his IPL 2026 campaign with RR was less productive, producing 78 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 113.04.
Alzarri Joseph returns after recovering from a back injury and was set to play his first international matches since Australia's tour last year. Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie also returned to the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Alick Athanaze, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre and Romario Shepherd were left out following the New Zealand tour.
Hope, Hetmyer and Joseph are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: John Campbell, Shai Hope (c, wk), Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer
SL enter the series with a leadership change as Kusal Mendis takes over the ODI captaincy from Charith Asalanka. Kamindu Mendis is appointed vice-captain across formats.
The batting unit relies heavily on the experience and consistency of Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Mendis, who form the core of the top order.
The visitors also welcomed back Wanindu Hasaranga after a lengthy injury layoff. He had been sidelined since early February after tearing his left hamstring during the T20 World Cup and subsequently missed the IPL.
The bowling attack looked well-balanced with Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera providing experience. Eshan Malinga also arrived in strong form after finishing as Sunrisers Hyderabad's leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026.
Nissanka, Mendis and Malinga are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c, wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera.
Sri Lanka will start this match as slight favorites because of their stronger batting lineup and recent success against West Indies in ODI cricket. The top order looks reliable, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis carrying excellent form into the series.
Nissanka has scored more than 400 runs in his last 10 ODIs and will be expected to anchor the innings again. If he settles early, Sri Lanka should be in a strong position to post or chase a competitive total.
The West Indies have the advantage of familiar home conditions and enough firepower to challenge Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka appears to have the more consistent batting unit. I predict Sri Lanka to win the opening ODI, with their top-order batters making the biggest impact.
