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Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier Tips - Islanders set to continue their winning momentum

By Sridhar Bhamidi

06 Jul 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 06 Jul 2023

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Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier predictions to be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday afternoon, IST
Sri Lanka have won their last 6 ODIs
West Indies have lost 6 of their last 7 ODIs in neutral venues against Sri Lanka
Shai Hope has scored at least a 50 in his last 6 ODIs against Sri Lanka
Can the Lankans end their Super Sixes on a high with another win?

Can Sri Lanka continue their good form? (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier

It’s a dead rubber before the final as Sri Lanka take on West Indies in the final Super Sixes match of the ICC World Cup qualifier. This match will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, from 12:30pm IST.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier
Head to Head
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Team News
West Indies Form
West Indies Team News

This was supposed to be the final before the final as the two powerhouses were expected to make it out of the qualifiers. Yet, West Indies have already crashed out. Sri Lanka will have an eye on preparing for the final, but may not make wholesale changes. It looks like the Island Nation will go full throttle to continue their momentum. I am backing Sri Lanka to win this match.

Sri Lanka have won their last 6 matches (ODIs)
In neutral venues, Sri Lanka have won 6 of their last 7 matches against West Indies (ODIs)
West Indies have lost 3 of their last 4 matches (ODIs)
Shai Hope has scored at least 51 in his last 6 matches against Sri Lanka (ODIs)

Head to Head

Sri Lanka and West Indies have faced each other 63 times so far in the ODIs. Of these, West Indies have a slight edge with a 31-29 win-loss record with three no results. The last time these sides met was in March 2021 when West Indies won the series 3-0 at home.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka are the only unbeaten side in the tournament and have already confirmed their ticket to the World Cup. This match is purely academic as it won’t affect their progression anymore.

The Islanders though would like to sign off on a high by winning this match and the final, to continue their momentum. With bigger tests like the Asia Cup awaiting, they would want to keep winning.

Batting will be the focal point as only Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne have aggregated more than 250 runs with the next best being 182. With the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga (20) and Maheesh Theekshana (13) have been all over the opponents.

Sri Lanka Team News

It will be interesting to see if the Lankans will rest a few regulars and give a chance to the other squad members before the final.

West Indies Form

West Indies have crashed out of the tournament after losing three of their last four matches, one via a Super Over. These defeats to Zimbabwe, the Netherlands and Scotland have kicked them out of the World Cup qualification race.

They did manage to save face with a win over Oman last time out, but even a victory here will not prove to be a face-saver. Captain Shai Hope will be banking on his team to replicate that form though, as they look to sign off on a high.

Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope have aggregated 300+ runs this tournament, but bowling has been a worry with only Alzarri Joseph’s eight being their highest count.

West Indies Team News

There are only 13 players in the squad after Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph left early to prepare for the Test series against India. They could play the same team as against Oman.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier FAQs

Where can I watch the Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream.

What time does Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier start?

This Sri Lanka vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Friday starting at 12:30pm IST.

Verdict

Sri Lanka are likely to continue their winning run, especially as the West Indies seem to be going through the motions. I am putting my money on a Sri Lankan win. Additionally, keep an eye out for the market on the best batter for West Indies with Hope a frontrunner for it.