Big picture: One eye on the ODI rankings
Where once ODI bilaterals could have been fairly mocked for their lack of relevance, they are played less and less, and this series has a bit of heat to it. Qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup is on the line, and both these sides know what it's like to be left out of a major international tournament (both were missing from the last Champions Trophy, and West Indies had also not played the 2023 World Cup).
On March 31, 2027, the eight highest-ranking teams - aside from hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe - will qualify automatically for the World Cup, and teams slightly lower will have to fight their way in through a qualifier. Currently, Sri Lanka are ranked sixth in ODIs, while West Indies are ninth. Both teams could do with a rankings boost.
Sri Lanka are in slightly better shape coming into this series. They have, at the very least, played ODIs this year, losing 2-1 at home to England. West Indies have lost four of their last five ODIs, and have not played the format for six months. Both teams have more or less their regular ODI troops to pick from, however. Sri Lanka's seam stocks are in especially good health at present.
Form guide
West Indies: LLLLW (Most recent first)
Sri Lanka: LLWLL
In the spotlight: Mendis and Hope
Sri Lanka's ODI captaincy has been one of cricket's most-puzzling roulette wheels over the past ten years. Kusal Mendis had had the job until 2024, when he was ousted with no reason provided. He has again been put in charge, perhaps with a view to him leading Sri Lanka into that 2027 World Cup campaign. There's been little to recommend him for the role than his own buoyant batting form, however. How will he fare this time in what has turned out to be one of cricket's most tumultuous positions?
With an average of 50.52 and 19 hundreds in this format, West Indies captain Shai Hope is the only batter in the series who can be called a reliable run machine. Hope hasn't played competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup, but does have a decent record against Sri Lanka, against whom he has hit two ODI hundreds and four fifties. Like his opposite wicketkeeper-batter-captain Mendis, Hope will be a key figure as West Indies begin their push toewards the 2027 World Cup in earnest.
Team news: Hetmyer returns
West Indies will need to find a spot for Shimron Hetmyer, who is back in the ODI format. Ackeem Auguste may make way at the top of the order to allow Hetmyer back in. Gudakesh Motie will also likely lead the spin attack.
West Indies (possible): 1 John Campbell, 2 Shai Hope (capt.)(wk) , 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Justin Greaves, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Shamar Springer, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales
Sri Lanka have serious decisions to make on the bowling front. In Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga, they have three bowlers capable of breaching 140kph.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kamil Mishara, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Kamindu Mendis, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Eshan Malinga, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Dilshan Madushanka
Pitch and conditions: It's been too long, Sabina
When Sabina Park last hosted ODIs back in 2022, West Indies and Ireland had played out a low-scoring series. The weather for Wednesday is expected to be good.
Stats and trivia: West Indies 32-32 Sri Lanka
In the 44 matches Hope has captained, his batting has been especially good - he averages 54.69 and strikes at 95.45 when leading the side.
Kusal Mendis has an even record as captain, with Sri Lanka winning eight ODIs and losing eight under him.
These teams also have exactly 32 wins and 32 losses each when playing each other. Of their last 10 encounters however, Sri Lanka have won six.
These teams haven't played in Kingston since 2013.
