New Zealand and West Indies are set to face off in the opening ODI of their three-match series on Wednesday at Sabina Park. The series will mark the beginning of an important assignment for both sides as they aim to boost their rankings in order to qualify for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. Notably, barring hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, and teams, who don't have sufficient rankings, will have to qualify through a qualifier. Currently, Sri Lanka are ranked sixth in ODIs, and West Indies occupy ninth place. 

Going into the first ODI, both teams would look to make an early statement and gain the upper hand in the series. The home side is brimmed with star performers in John Campbell, Ackeem Auguste and Keacy Carty, strengthening the batting at the top of the order.

In their middle-order, they have bankable players such as Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves and Roston Chase, with all three of them capable of taking the game away. West Indies' bowling attack is equally threatening, featuring experienced campaigner Alzarri Joseph, who will lead the pace attack that also boats aggressive pacers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph. Their spin attack will be led by Gudakesh Motie, whose experience is expected to play a crucial role in the series. Roston Chase's presence will also add depth to WI's spin attack.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to make a big impact under the leadership of new white-ball captain Kushal Mendis, having replaced Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka as ODI and T20I captain, respectively. In the batting department, Sri Lanka will hugely bank on their top-class players Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, both of whom have consistently led the side's batting attack over the past few months. The visitors would expect their power-hitter Charith Asalanka, who now takes part in the series solely as a batter, to step up and find his best form. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga's return to the side also serves as a major boost. Meanwhile, it will be Gary Kristen's first assignment as Sri Lanka's head coach.

Head-to-head

Matches - 68

WI won - 32

SL won - 33

No result - 3

West Indies possible XI: John Campbell, Shai Hope (c&wk), Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales

Sri Lanka possible XI: Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (c&wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka