West Indies begin their 2026 home season with a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, with the opening fixture set to be played at Sabina Park in Kingston on Wednesday. The hosts will be eager to make a winning start after their last ODI assignment ended in a 3-0 series defeat against New Zealand in November 2025.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, arrive in the Caribbean for a full-fledged tour comprising ODIs, T20Is and Tests. The visitors were last seen in ODI action earlier this year when they suffered a narrow 2-1 series defeat against England at home. The series will also mark a significant milestone for Kusal Mendis, who is set to captain Sri Lanka in the ODI format for the first time. With both teams looking to build momentum in the 50-over format, an intriguing contest awaits in Jamaica.
WI vs SL, 1st ODI: Match details
- Date and Time: May 3, 8:00 PM IST / 2:30 PM GMT / 9:30 AM Local
- Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
WI vs SL, Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 68 | West Indies won: 32 | Sri Lanka won: 33 | No Result/Tie: 3
Sabina Park Pitch Report
Sabina Park has generally produced slower surfaces in recent years, making stroke-making difficult during the early stages of an innings. Batters are expected to spend time at the crease before playing their shots, while bowlers who maintain disciplined lines and lengths could enjoy success.
The weather forecast indicates the possibility of cloud cover during the match, which may provide additional movement for the seamers with the new ball. As the innings progresses, batting conditions are likely to improve, although the surface could continue to offer assistance to bowlers who vary their pace effectively.
Notably, the venue last hosted ODI cricket in 2022 when West Indies faced Ireland in a three-match series. Scores were not particularly high throughout that series, suggesting that a total in the region of 260-280 could prove highly competitive. The captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and take advantage of the early conditions.
Squads
West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
WI vs SL, 1st ODI, Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- West Indies wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka’s powerplay score: 50-60
- Sri Lanka’s total score: 270-290
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- West Indies’ powerplay score: 45-55
- West Indies’ total score: 260-280
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.
