ICC World Twenty20, 1st Semifinal, Dhaka: West Indies favourites to defeat Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st semifinal, Dhaka, ICC World Twenty20

Start time: 6:30pm IST

The last time Sri Lanka and the West Indies clashed in a do-or-die match, it was in the final of the previous World Twenty20 tournament. West Indies won that match comfortably despite posting only 137.

Sri Lanka will be looking to avenge that loss as the two teams clash again, this time in the semifinals in Dhaka.

Lanka are without captain Dinesh Chandimal, who has opted out of the match, and Lasith Malinga will once again lead in his place. 

West Indies' strategy this tournament has been to play cautiously in the beginning, and unleash their firepower towards the end. The middling form of Chris Gayle has been countered by the fine form of Dwayne Smith, who has been given a free hand to bat as he sees fit.

On the other hand, the West Indies bowlers, particularly Samuel Badree and Kishmar Santokie, have exceeded expectations by bowling a tight line and taking wickets at regular intervals. Sunil Narine has been, well, Sunil Narine.

Sri Lanka have blown hot and cold in this tournament, defeating a South African side which choked once again while in a winning position. Then they beat New Zealand easily, only to find themselves unable to defend 189 against an otherwise hapless England side. They finally managed to defend 119 against New Zealand with gutso, ensuring a spot in the semifinals.

Lanka will also be wary of Chris Gayle, who is due for a big knock. A whirlwind 80-odd would seriously set back the Lankans' chances of winning the match and proceeding to the final.

Teams batting second have also had it tough in the tournament, so Sri Lanka will be hoping to win the toss and bat first.