Colombo Kings square off against Galle Gladiators for the second time in the Lanka Premier League (LPL 2020).
Colombo had won by 34 runs against Galle in a rain-curtailed five-over clash. Colombo has won two out of their three matches so far while Galle is the only team in the tournament to not win even a single game after losing four in a row.
Team News
Colombo lost to Dambulla Viiking in their last match as they could not chase a target of 176. Only Laurie Evans impressed with his batting while the rest of the team crumbled under pressure.
Galle lost to Jaffna Stallions by five wickets in their last game. Mohammad Amir failed to provide the breakthroughs while Akila Dananjaya gave away too many runs.
Pitch and Conditions
The chasing team has won the last two matches in Hambantota. Hence, despite the dew factor playing a role in the night matches, the batsmen can chase down big totals. With this match scheduled to start in the afternoon, dew will not be a factor. A perfect contest can be expected between bat and ball if some wickets fall early.
Probable Playing XI
Colombo Kings: Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Laurie Evans, Thikshila De Silva, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Angelo Mathews (c), Andre Russell, Ashan Priyanjan, Isuru Udana, Qais Ahmad, Dushmantha Chameera, Tharindu Kaushal
Galle Gladiators: Danushka Gunathilaka, Ahsan Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chadwick Walton, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Lakshan Sandakan, Mohammad Amir, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando.
Key Battles
Dinesh Chandimal (CLK) vs Akila Dananjaya (GGD)
Chandimal got dismissed for a golden duck in the side's last match against Dambulla. The hard-hitting wicket-keeper is an aggressive batsman. He can play a matured knock even in tough conditions. He will aim to give a strong start for his side.
Dananjaya picked one wicket and conceded 42 runs in the last game against Jaffna. If the offie is unable to find his variations, the batsman can feast on him smashing him all over the park. He needs to use his primary weapons, the googly, carrom ball, and the doosra to good effect if he wants to dismiss a quality player like Chandimal.
Hazrathullah Zazai (GGD) vs Angelo Mathews (CLK)
Zazai is an explosive left-hander who can get his side off to a flyer. If the wicket happens to be flat, he can plunder a lot of runs. The youngster needs to stay cautious against the new ball especially when it moves a bit to avoid getting dismissed early.
Mathews is one of the world's best all-rounders. He has not been in great form amidst being the leader of his side. He is smart in adapting to different situations. He can control runs at the start of the innings with his handy medium pace. His cool demeanor and tactical nous are his biggest strengths. His nippy cutters can squeeze the opposition as he bowls them with a lot of verve and purpose.
Prediction
A win for Colombo would take them closer to the top of the table after suffering their first defeat of the tournament to Dambulla in their last match. On the other hand, Galle would be extra determined to open their account to end their miserable losing streak.
Cricwizz predicts Galle Gladiators to win the match
