During the 2012 World T20 finals Sri Lanka had collided with West Indies in the final. Staged in Sri Lanka itself, the home team contrived to lose the game against an inspired West Indies, who were led by the much viled Darren Sammy. In the first semi final of the tournament set to be staged at Dhaka today, it will thus be a rematch of sorts. For Sri Lanka this will be an ideal opportunity to avenge that loss and for West Indies this match presents a golden opportunity to show that 2012 was no flash in pan.
Form: Sri Lanka have been in patchy form of late having suffered a chastising defeat at the hands of England in the Super 10 stage. West Indies, on the other hand, have had a better time of it. Losing to India, given their present form, cannot be regarded as a matter of shame. However, after that match the Caribbeans have basically trampled every opponent that has dared to cross their path. So, by that way it has a slight advantage over Sri Lanka.
First eleven: It is likely that West Indies will continue with the same lineup that has won all the previous games:
Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree, Krishmar Santokie
In case of Sri Lanka, it is likely that Tillekratne Dilshan might sit out from the team that clinched the contest against New Zealand in order to make room for Dinesh Chandimal who will return to the team following a suspension:
Kusal Janith Perera, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Sachitra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga
Importance of the match: Apart from what has been stated already both the teams will be looking at this match to progress to the finals. For West Indies a triumph in the tournament will allow it to cement its legacy as the finest T20 team on the planet. For Sri Lanka winning this tournament will ensure that their days of being the perpetual bridesmaid in the major ICC events are finally over.
Issues for the teams: Since their match against Bangladesh, West Indies has performed well and as of now there is no significant chink in their armor. For Sri Lanka leadership will be a issue though since Malinga has been asked to lead after Chandimal strangely relinquished the duty. One feels that Angelo Mathews would have been the better bet in such circumstances.
