T20 World Cup 2016: Chris Gayle vs Nuwan Kulasekara and other key battles

With both the sides having won their first match, it will be interesting to see which team achieves victory and take another step towards semi-finals

Sri Lanka will take on West Indies in match no.21, Group 2 of ICC World T20 2016 at Chinaswamy stadium, Bengaluru. Both teams come into this fixture on the back of a victory in their first match. A rejuvenated Tillakaratne Dilshan guided Sri Lanka to a hard-fought win against a spirited Afghanistan side at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Dilshan’s match-winning knock of 83 off just 56 balls ensured Sri Lanka started off the tournament with a victory. West Indies on the other hand, relied on the brilliance of Chris Gayle to chase down a total of 183 against England at Wankhede, Mumbai. Gayle scored an unbeaten century as West Indies chased down the target with 11 balls to spare. Full Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 21st T20 Match, Super 10 Group 1

This contest would be very crucial for both sides if they are to qualify for the semi-finals. Sri Lanka, who came into this tournament on the back of a horrible display in Asia Cup 2016, would feel this is a must-win game, considering their final two matches will be against two very strong sides, England and South Africa. West Indies would believe a win in this game would all but guarantee them a place in the semi-finals, considering one of their final two matches is against a winnable opponent in Afghanistan. Also Read: Sri Lanka vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2016, Match 21 at Bangalore, Preview: Pumped West Indians seek to trounce meek Sri Lanka

With so many talented players in display, it will be a cracker of a game. Considering both the teams have a lot at stake, we take a look at the key battles that can affect the result in this fixture on Sunday.

1. Chris Gayle vs Nuwan Kulasekara: We have run out of superlatives to describe the destruction Chris Gayle can cause. His recent display against England has furthered enhanced his reputation as the most destructive T20 batsman in the world. The ease at which he was scoring boundaries in the earlier game made the English bowlers look like school boys playing for the very first time. If Sri Lanka stand any chance of stopping the ‘Gayle storm’, they will have to reply upon the experience of Nuwan Kulasekara. A bowler known for his swinging abilities, Kulasekara has to remove Gayle within first few overs, if his side are to stop West Indies from scoring quick runs. Also Read: Graham Ford: Sri Lanka have plans to stop Chris Gayle in ICC T20 World Cup 2016

2. Tillakaratne Dilshan vs Andre Russell: Apart from the win, the best thing coming out from Sri Lanka’s win over Afghanistan was the return to form of Tillakaratne Dilshan. Dilshan’s knock of 83 in the first match was a mixture of skill and technique. While no one can doubt his striking capabilities, Sri Lanka will require his composure to weather the storm in the early overs. West Indies will hope Andre Russell to find a way to stop Dilshan from scoring runs. Russell, who took two crucial wickets against England in the last game, was used as the second genuine pacer in the side. West Indies will hugely rely on Russell to provide them the breakthrough again.

3. Dushmantha Chameera vs Marlon Samuels: In the game against England, it was the intelligent innings of Marlon Samuels which kick-started the run chase for West Indies, before Gayle took over. Samuels knock was very impressive in the fact that it took all the pressure off Gayle. His 27-ball 37 meant Gayle got limited strike, and he was not under pressure to hit from the word go. Sri Lanka will expect Dushmanta Chameera can continue on his impressive form in recent time. With Lasith Malinga ruled out of the tournament, Chameera will have to be a good help to Kulasekara if Sri Lanka are to restrict the West Indies batting line-up. In the game against Afghanistan, Chameera just conceded 19 runs in his 4 overs, and Sri Lanka will hope he adds wickets to his column against Samuels and co.

4. Angelo Mathews vs Dwayne Bravo: It’s a contest between two all-rounders. Mathews has the added pressure of captaincy on his head. The Sri Lankan skipper bowled very well, and lead his side to a victory with a quick-fire knock of 21 against Afghanistan. Yet, Mathews knows his all-round capability will severely tested against a strong West Indies side. Dwayne Bravo’s capability as an all-rounder is one of the best, be it scoring boundaries in death overs or taking wickets. Although he struggled to influence the game against England, Sri Lanka will have to be wary of him. If either of the players get going, the opposition will certainly feel the heat.

5. Rangana Herath vs Samuel Badree: Sri Lanka have, over the years, produced quality spinners and Rangana Herath is one of them. A veteran, who is in twilight of his career, Herath can still produce quality bowling for his side, just like he did against Afghanistan. West Indies, though, are certainly missing Sunil Narine. But his unavailability can somewhat be covered up by the presence of Samuel Badree. His economy of 5.53 in T20Is is one of the best in the world. Even though he struggled to get going against England, his ability is unquestionable. On a pitch, which will have some assistance for spinners, it will be interesting to see which of these two can utilize the conditions better.

(R Narayan is a reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed Cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)