The three-match series was tied at 1-1 as Sri lanka & West Indies headed into the third T20I at Sabina park with everything to play for. With both teams earning emphatic wins in the first two games, a mouthwatering decider awaited for the series trophy.
West Indies have won the toss for the third successive match and decided to chase first against Sri Lanka. The tourists accepted the challenge, with their first T20I series win in the Caribbean within their grasp.
Sri Lanka came into the contest having thrashed their previous opponents. The team management retained the identical playing XI for the series decider as their balanced lineup clicked in all departments. Kusal Mendis again captained the side as familiar names in Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be key.
West Indies, on the other hand, made two changes for added reinforcement to their squad. All-rounder Jason Holder was back in the side after being rested for the second T20I owing to a slight injury scare. Holder was key for the opening match and his inclusion gave a mixture of consistency and balance. Teenage batter Ackeem Auguste also made his maiden appearance of the tour to inject some life into a stale looking batting line-up. This saw Shamar Springer and Romario Shepherd being the sacrifices.
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The conditions at Sabina Park were another layer of interest. This pitch, unlike that used in the first two matches, had enjoyed a full day of sun but little time to prepare for the game because of the quick turnaround. Consequently, it was set to be marginally slower – with batters having to be somewhat more patient before they began playing aggressive shots.
The surface suggested that it would be a good one for spin (in other years) and seamers who could vary their pace. It meant that the likes of Hasaranga, Theekshana, Akeal Hosein and Jason Holder could be match-winners.
The stage was thus set for a finale high on stakes in Kingston, with history beckoning for Sri Lanka and West Indies out to preserve their home dominance.