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Get ready for an electrifying match in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024! The Dambulla Sixers, last year’s runners-up, are determined to claim the championship this time around. They’ll face off against the Jaffna Kings, a three-time champion team aiming to bounce back after a fourth-place finish last season. This promises to be a high-stakes clash between a team on the rise and a powerhouse seeking redemption.
Teams Preview
Dambulla Sixers Preview
The Dambulla Sixers have started their season with a loss against Kandy Falcons in Pallekele. Batting first, they posted 179-4 on the board thanks to superb knocks from Mark Chapman (91* off 61) and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (62* off 42). However, Kandy chased down the target with 16 balls to spare.
Predicted Playing XI
- Danushka Gunathilaka
- Kusal Perera (wk)
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mark Chapman
- Mohammad Nabi (c)
- Akila Dananjaya
- Nuwan Thusara
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Chamindu Wickramasinghe
- Dilshan Madushanka
Jaffna Kings Preview
The Jaffna Kings also started their season with a loss, defeated by 5 wickets by Galle Marvels in Pallekele after posting 177-7. Pathum Nissanka (51 off 33 balls) and Avishka Fernando (59 off 48 balls) were the top contributors for them in the game.
Predicted Playing XI
- Avishka Fernando
- Pathum Nissanka
- Rilee Rossouw
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Fabian Allen
- Asitha Fernando
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
- Pramod Madushan
- Jason Behrendorff
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers a balanced pitch, aiding both batsmen and bowlers. The average first innings score is around 162, with a potential for higher scores given the right conditions. The weather forecast suggests scattered thunderstorms, which could impact play and player performance.
Toss: To Bowl
Teams winning the toss have preferred to field first, given the conditions and past outcomes at this venue.
Match Prediction
The upcoming match between Dambulla Sixers and Jaffna Kings promises to be a thrilling contest. The Sixers’ strong batting lineup, led by Kusal Perera and Mark Chapman, will look to set or chase a formidable target. However, the Jaffna Kings, with their experienced top order and solid middle order, seem to have the upper hand.
While Dambulla’s bowlers, like Mustafizur and Thusara, can pose significant threats, the depth and form of Jaffna Kings’ batting lineup are likely to secure them a win.
Prediction: Jaffna Kings to beat Dambulla Sixers.