Vaibhav Tripathi
The Lanka Premier League 2023 (LPL 2023) has reached the Eliminator stage, where B-Love Kandy (BLK) and Jaffna Kings (JK) will engage in a contest at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on August 17, Thursday.
Seeking to halt their two-match losing streak, Wanindu Hasaranga aims to reinvigorate Kandy’s performance. Despite an earlier stint as table-toppers, their momentum has waned, evidenced by a recent 20-run loss against Dambulla Aura. Hasaranga is eager for his squad to rebound and display a strong performance in the upcoming knockout fixture.
Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Harris have been effective run-scorers in the tournament, and they aspire to provide a solid opening partnership. Dinesh Chandimal’s consistent batting form positions him as a key figure in the middle order, alongside Angelo Mathews and Hasaranga. With depth in their batting lineup, contributions from Chaturanga de Silva, Asif Ali, and Isuru Udana are anticipated.
Angelo Mathews and Mujeeb ur Rahman are anticipated to deliver impactful spells with the new ball, challenging the formidable top-order opposition. Isuru Udana, who has faced challenges in maintaining line and length, is urged to support Hasaranga effectively during the middle overs. The presence of Chaturanga de Silva and Nuwan Pradeep ensures a well-balanced bowling attack.
Enduring a batting collapse in their previous match against the Galle Titans, Thisara Perera’s team seeks to move past the setback. Their top order faltered, only managing 89 runs before succumbing by 7 wickets. Perera aims to inspire his side to leave behind that disappointing display and exhibit resilience in this upcoming match.
Crucial contributions are expected from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Nishan Madushka, both of whom have demonstrated inconsistent form. The middle order, comprising Chris Lynn, Dunith Wellalage, and Shoaib Malik, holds the responsibility to perform effectively. With the inclusion of David Miller, Asela Gunaratne, and Perera, the team’s batting gains potency, poised for a rigorous test in the impending game.
The bowlers face a formidable challenge and their success hinges on early breakthroughs delivered by Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana. Shoaib Malik, drawing upon his experience, must maintain accurate lines during the middle overs, alongside Nuwan Thushara. Additional support is expected from Wellalage and Perera as they contribute to the bowling unit.
Match Details:
Date & Time- August 17, 07:30 PM IST
Venue- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Live Streaming and Broadcast- Sony Ten 5, Sony LIV App & FanCode
Pitch Report:
The pitch favors spinners and slower bowlers, making batting a challenge during the first innings. However, dew during the second innings will pose difficulties in gripping the ball. Anticipate a high-scoring contest during the evening.
Probable XIs
B-Love Kandy: Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Ashen Bandara, Asif Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Chaturanga de Silva, Isuru Udana, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nuwan Pradeep
Jaffna Kings: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nishan Madushka (wk), Chris Lynn, Asela Gunaratne, Shoaib Malik, David Miller, Thisara Perera (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara
Top Picks:
Top B-Love Kandy Player:
The captain of the Kandy team, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been in remarkable form, excelling both as a batsman and a bowler. His exceptional performance includes scoring over 200 runs and taking 11 wickets, highlighting his sensational contribution to the team.
Top Jaffna Kings Player:
Dunith Wellalage has stood out as the top-performing bowler for the Jaffna Kings, amassing 10 wickets with an impressive bowling average of 15 and an economy rate of 7.19. His consistent performance suggests he is poised to play a significant role in the upcoming match.
Winner Prediction
Kandy suffered defeats in their recent two matches, and Jaffna faced a significant loss in their previous game. Both teams lacked positive outcomes in their recent performances. Despite this, considering Jaffna’s defending champion status, they are likely to give their all. Our prediction leans towards a victory for Jaffna in the Eliminator.