By Arjun 
The T20I tour of Sri Lanka in Kingston finally kicks off, but rain threatens to play a part across the series against West Indies. Both sides will want clear skies after rain severely hampered the ODI leg of the tour as they prepare to contest the opening game on Sunday (local time) at Sabina Park.
That has left the tour struggling to gain momentum. The first ODI was played as scheduled, however the other two were rained off in Jamaica without a ball bowled. Thunderstorms are once again predicted on the day of the first T20I, causing concerns over whether his plans might be disrupted by outfield conditions ahead of a scheduled evening start.
Regardless of the weather, West Indies go into the series firm favourites. Easily recognizable as one of the most dreadfully potent teams in T20s, driven mostly by their lightweight batting approach and postmodern franchise cricket experience. They were a near miss to knock out hosts India at the T20 World Cup 2022, giving them even more confidence after they proved time and again they’ve developed into an accomplished T20 side.
West Indies have a destructive batting line-up full of match-winners who can turn a game in just 3-4 overs. Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell and Jason Holder add depth, experience and consistent six hitting ability. They have also played a part in growing a rich T20 culture inside the Caribbean, helped by their success in the CPL.
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Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their bowling attack to level the scores. However, their bowling unit has some match-winning bowlers who are not as lethal because of the batting line-up they possess but have the ability to change a game with their performances. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga is there too, having done well in Caribbean conditions before and still one of the best T20 spinners in world cricket. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera also showed promising signs on tour and will likely prove key up top with the new ball.
West Indies too have no dearth of quality in the bowling department. Two others, like left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein – whose reliability in the format has been consistently proven outside of T20 – have kept it together through the middle overs.
The series opener pits a disciplined Lankan bowling unit against one of the most destructive batting line-ups in world cricket. Fans may not have it raining on their parade as the lure of power versus precision will be most intriguing.