Sri Lanka Cricket Team. Image Credits: AFP
Sri Lanka is all set to play against the West Indies in the first ODI of the three-game series on Wednesday, June 3. Interestingly, just hours ahead of the game, the visitors have already unveiled their playing XI.
The first ODI will be played at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. It’s important to note that Sri Lanka are touring the West Indies after a gap of nearly five years, which makes this series even more special and significant.
Sri Lanka unveil playing XI for 1st ODI vs West Indies
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka took a bold step to disclose their plans hours before the first ODI took place at Kingston. The team’s social media page unveiled the playing XI on X, a move that took fans by surprise.
Kusal Mendis will lead the side as captain while Pathum Nissanka will have a new opening partner in Kamindu Mendis. Pavan Rathnayake, who previously played only 4 ODIs, is being backed to play in the middle order.
Other familiar faces include Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage, who will add batting depth in the middle and death overs. Wanindu Hasaranga is also someone who can score crucial runs in the death overs.
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As for the bowling department, Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack. Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga will bowl spin, while Asalanka could be the sixth bowling option.
Sri Lanka playing XI for the first ODI vs West Indies: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
Matheesha Pathirana misses out due to injury
A major talking point of the Sri Lanka tour of the West Indies is the absence of Matheesha Pathirana. The pacer was struggling with a hamstring injury after the T20 World Cup 2026.
However, he was given a green light to join the IPL 2026 season, where he played just one game for KKR before injuring his hamstring again. As a result, the pacer was ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour of the West Indies.
KKR pushed hard to get Pathirana into the squad, as they had spent INR 18 crores on him during the auction. Some fans even alleged that KKR forced Pathirana into playing the IPL, which eventually worsened his injury.
However, neither the Sri Lanka cricket board nor KKR have come forward to address this speculation.
Sri Lanka to play multi-format series in West Indies
That being said, Sri Lanka are touring the West Indies after a wait of five years, as they last travelled to the Caribbean in 2021. The tour will consist of a 3-game ODI and T20I series followed by a 2-game Test series.
Both teams’ last international assignment was the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where they crashed out of the Super 8 stage. Hence, this series is a platform for Sri Lanka and the West Indies to regroup and gain winning momentum.
The ODI series will last from June 3 to 8, followed by the T20I series from June 11 to 14. Lastly, the Test series will go from June 25 to July 3.
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