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The third game of the Lanka Premier League 2024 sees the Colombo Strikers launching their campaign against the Kandy Falcons. The Falcons, aiming to improve upon last season’s bottom-of-the-table finish, have started this season strong with a victory over the Dambulla Sixers. Both teams will be eager to secure a win and set a positive tone for their tournament run.
Teams Overview
Colombo Strikers Preview
The Colombo Strikers had a challenging season last year, managing only three wins. This year, they have revamped their squad and brought in new players, creating a blend of youth and experience. Skipper Thisara Perera will be keen to guide his team to a strong start and capitalize on the fresh talent. The Strikers’ batting lineup looks promising with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Muhammad Waseem expected to provide a solid start. The middle order, featuring Glenn Phillips, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Angelo Perera, will aim to stabilize and accelerate the innings. Thisara Perera, along with Shadab Khan and Chamika Karunaratne, adds depth to the batting lineup. Taskin Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana will lead the pace attack, with Dunith Wellalage and Shadab Khan handling spin duties. Thisara Perera and Chamika Karunaratne will offer crucial support, especially in the middle overs.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Thisara Perera (c)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Glenn Phillips
- Taskin Ahmed
- Muhammad Waseem
- Angelo Perera
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Shadab Khan
Kandy Falcons Preview
The Kandy Falcons, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, have already set a positive tone for the season with a win against the Dambulla Sixers. They will aim to build on this momentum and overcome the Colombo Strikers. Dinesh Chandimal and Andre Fletcher are key to providing a solid start. The experienced Angelo Mathews, alongside Mohammad Haris and Kamindu Mendis, will bolster the middle order. Dasun Shanaka, who played a match-winning knock in the previous game, and Hasaranga will be crucial in the death overs. Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera were impressive with the new ball in their last game. Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Hasnain will look to control the middle overs, with Kamindu Mendis and Chamath Gomez providing additional support.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (c)
- Andre Fletcher
- Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
- Mohammad Haris
- Kamindu Mendis
- Angelo Mathews
- Dasun Shanaka
- Chaturanga de Silva
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Chamath Gomez
- Mohammad Hasnain
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report:
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is known for its flat track and fast outfield, favoring batsmen. The pitch offers little assistance to fast bowlers, but spinners can exploit the surface’s grip and turn. A score of 180+ is considered competitive.
Weather Conditions:
Clear skies are expected over Pallekele, with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 31°C. The weather is expected to be humid, and bowlers may find it challenging to grip the ball in the second innings.
Toss Prediction:
The team winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first, considering the successful chase records at this venue and the challenges of defending totals under evening conditions.
Match Prediction
The Colombo Strikers have a revamped squad with potential but may take time to find their rhythm. On the other hand, the Kandy Falcons have momentum on their side with a win in their opening game. The Falcons’ balanced lineup and current form make them the favorites to win this match.
Prediction: Kandy Falcons to win.
Stay tuned for an exciting contest as the Colombo Strikers and Kandy Falcons vie for victory in the Lanka Premier League 2024.