The opening T20I followed an all-too-familiar script for Sri Lanka. Heavy scoring at the top giving way to middle order brittleness and a late salvage job. Only this time, not even that script went the way it was supposed to against West Indies.

While Kusal Mendis gave Sri Lanka the high-octane start they desired, the loss of four top-order batters before the halfway point of the innings meant the remaining members of a truncated batting line-up – owing to Sri Lanka’s aggressive 6-5 combination – had to shelve any attacking ambitions and prioritise consolidation. Stuttering through a 25-run death-overs period told a story.

If one were to seek out silver linings, however, the manner of Sri Lanka’s dismissals could at the very least not be put down to a lack of intent. Head coach Gary Kirsten has spoken openly of his preference for process over immediate results, and while that might be a tricky balancing act in the short-term, it could still reap rich dividends in the not-so-distant future.

That said, living in the present as we are, from the highs of an ODI series win in the Caribbean for the first time in 23 years, the transition to T20Is has highlighted the stark contrast in firepower between the sides. Each of West Indies top-five batters cleared the ropes at least once, and looking further down the line-up it was clear there were plenty more hitters to come.

Sri Lanka by contrast had just three batters share their six sixers, with Kusal and Kamindu Mendis accounting for five of those. It’s a glaring mismatch when comparing the two sides, and a worrying one if you are of Sri Lankan persuasion.

On the flip side, For Shai Hope’s men, troubles seem much farther out and a victory in the second match will wrap up the series with a game to spare. Their multi-pronged pace attack successfully exploited the bounce at Sabina Park, and the batting line-up executed their plans largely as they would have intended – even if they allowed Sri Lanka to drag the game deeper than perhaps planned.

The hosts will now be looking for a more complete performance, particularly with the bat, as they seek to put Sri Lanka to the proverbial sword. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, face a quick turnaround to snap their batting into place, or they risk playing a dead rubber on Sunday.

After a match-winning 3 for 18 in the opener, Jason Holder showed why his experience is crucial to this balanced West Indies unit. He broke the back of Sri Lanka’s top order, which in turn dictated the tempo of the entire innings. With the pitches in Kingston, where all the matches are being played, showing some wear and patchy grass, Holder’s subtle variations and cutters could be a major threat once again.

Kamindu Mendis was a rare bright spot in Sri Lanka’s underwhelming scorecard, fighting through for a 39-ball 51. His ability to counter pace and spin alike makes him central to Sri Lanka’s plans. The management also seems to trust him to handle tricky scenarios, pitched recently as an ODI opener and now increasingly as a middle-order firefighter-cum-enforcer. However, he drastically needs support from those around him if Sri Lanka want to lay down a platform capable of challenging the hosts.

West Indies left out left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie in the first game to field an extra seamer, a tactical move that paid rich dividends. Given how effectively Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd supported Holder, the home side is highly likely to field an unchanged XI.

West Indies XI (probable): Shai Hope (capt, wk), Brandon King,  Shimron Hetmyer,  Roston Chase,  Sherfane Rutherford,  Rovman Powell, Jason Holder,  Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph

Sri Lanka opted for a 6-5 combination with rookie batter Lasith Croospulle at No. 3. After a stunning top-order collapse, they might contemplate bringing in Dunith Wellalage to strengthen both their spin options and lower-order batting depth – though who makes way will depend on whether or not Sri Lanka opt for three front-line seamers.

Sri Lanka XI (probable): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (capt, wk),  Lasith Croospulle/Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis,  Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga,  Dilshan Madushanka/Dunith Wellalage  Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera,  Eshan Malinga

Canada substitute Cyle Larin made an instant impact as his goal rescued a point for the co-hosts as they began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Southampton striker Larin had only been on the pitch for just over two minutes when he superbly spun away from Tarik Muharemovic and fired past Nikola Vasilj, aided by a slight deflection.

It was the first time Canada had avoided defeat in the World Cup finals, after they had been beaten in all three games in 1986 and then again in 2022.

Bosnia, who gained penalty shootout wins in the qualifying play-offs over Wales and then Italy to secure their place in North America, took a 21st-minute lead in Toronto.

Jovo Lukic grabbed his first goal for his country when he headed in after ex-Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac had flicked on Ivan Basic’s corner.

Canada nearly equalised early in the second half as Richie Laryea’s shot was going in, only for Kolasinac to produce an excellent clearance by diverting the ball on to the crossbar and away.

The hosts pushed for a leveller and had another good opportunity, only for Nikola Katic to clear off the line from Tani Oluwaseyi’s goal-bound header.

But, in a thrilling end-to-end match, Canada got a deserved equaliser in the 78th minute for their first ever World Cup draw.

Canada are one of three host nations for the 2026 World Cup, along with Mexico and the United States, and were looking to record a win, just as Mexico did when they beat South Africa 2-0 in Thursday’s tournament opener.

The Toronto Stadium was packed, with the majority of the home fans wearing red shirts and those away supporters in blue, with both groups contributing to a superb atmosphere.

After Alanis Morissette had sung the Canadian national anthem, the fans were treated to an entertaining, open game.

Canada, managed by former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, had seen Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi and Stephen Eustaquio all guilty of missing opportunities, with Bosnia looking to hold on to their one-goal advantage.

But Marsch’s attacking substitutions proved successful, with Larin’s goal coming 121 seconds after he was introduced.

Group B always looked like being one of the closest, and Canada will still fancy their chances of advancing with games against Qatar on 18 June and Switzerland on 24 June still to come.

[BBC]