Kandy Tuskers and Galle Gladiators are two teams to have lost both their games in the Lanka Premier League till now and thus the match is a really crucial one for both sides.
Both the teams have renowned players but they are yet to deliver. This could be the perfect moment for them to live up to their reputation.
The weather may or may not be a concern. However, as per reports things are expected to be fine.
Kandy Tuskers were very unfortunate as rains spoiled their previous game. Tuskers were the favorites to chase but a few early wickets and the passing showers saw them falling short by only four runs.
The Gladiators, on the other hand, fell victim to a fabulous Andre Russell knock as the West Indian fired 65 off just 19 balls. They had a mammoth total of 96 to take down, something that happens once in five or ten times.
Match Toss Time: 19:30 Local (19:30 IST)
Match Start Time: 20:00 Local (20:00 IST)
Match Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota.
Weather Report
With the possibility of rains, the weather is expected to be on the colder side and the expected temperature can be around 27-28 degrees.
Dew may play a role in the game but nothing is concrete. Players adapting best to the conditions will excel well and help their team in their respective departments.
Pitch
The pitch has always been a belter to bat on and the shorter boundaries have made it easier for the batsmen to hit it out of the park. The average score at the venue is over 180. However, we've already witnessed a total of 219 being easily approached and that means irrespective of the total, you will have to bowl better.
Team News
Rahmatullah Gurbaz has been striking the ball really well in the LPL alongside Kusal Perera who has been doing pretty well too.
The team also possesses the likes of Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, and Kamindu Mendis, making them a more than complete batting unit.
Naveen-ul-Haq, Gunaratne, and Dilruwan Perera are the bowlers the team mostly relies on and it is quite evident to notice that the Tuskers will be concerned more about their bowling.
Mohammed Amir had one of his worst games in the T20 format, having gone for 46 runs in just two overs. Due to the lack of depth in the being department, it is the responsibility of Shahid Afridi, Amir, and Milinda Siriwardana to take control and bowl well.
However, the batting department has more trust and faith. The likes of Hazratullah Zazai, Shahid Afridi, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Danushka Gunathilaka are all hitters and have the potential to put up massive scores individually.
The depth overall is a concern for the Gladiators but the position-specific player's available need to take the responsibility and make up for it.
Probable Playing XI
Kandy Tuskers (KDT): Kusal Perera (c & wk), Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nuwan Pradeep, Seekkuge Prasanna, Naveen-ul-Haq, Kamindu Mendis, Lasith Embuldeniya, Kaveeshka Anjula, Dale Steyn
Galle Gladiators (GGD): Danushka Gunathilaka, Chadwick Walton, Azam Khan (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahid Afridi (c), Akila Dananjaya, Milinda Siriwardana, Shehan Jayasuriya, Mohamed Shiraz, Mohammad Amir, Asitha Fernando.
KDT VS GGD Fantasy Team
Kusal Perera, Azam Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Seekkuge Prasanna, Shahid Afridi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Nuwan Pradeep, Mohammed Amir.
Captain Picks: Asela Gunaratne (KDT), Kusal Perera (KDT)
Vice-captain Picks: Shahid Afridi (GGD), Naveen-ul-Haq (KDT)
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