Pallekele.Sri Lanka is sharpening its spin attack as they aim to extend their winning run at home in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, captain Charith Asalanka stated on Saturday.
The island nation has won 10 out of 13 bilateral series this year, including eight of nine at home.
Spinners have been Sri Lanka’s key weapon, helping them break a 27-year drought against top-ranked India in a July ODI series.
“Spin is our strength, and we will continue to lean into that,” Asalanka told reporters ahead of Sunday’s opener.
“We’re considering three spin options: leg-spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay, along with Dunith Wellalage… Plus, a few of our batters can bowl some spin as well.”
All three ODIs are set to be played on the slow pitch at Pallekele, where spin is expected to be just as influential as it was in Sri Lanka’s 2-1 T20 series victory earlier in the tour.
“Our spinners were outstanding in the T20s, and I’m confident they’ll pose the same threat here,” Asalanka added.
Both teams are still stinging from failing to qualify for the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan next February.
They will be intensely focused on improving their rankings to avoid falling into the elimination zone again.
“We need to ensure we play strong cricket and maintain our position in the top half, so we don’t find ourselves scrambling for qualification again,” said West Indies skipper Shai Hope.
“We’ll adapt to what the pitch offers, and while having a plan is important, it’s crucial to respond to the conditions on the day,” he added.