Table leaders and tournament favourite Colombo Kings will once again count on Andre Russell to play another magical innings to secure another win and maintain their unbeaten record when they meet the equally strong Dambulla Viikings side, while Jaffna Stallions will take on Kandy Tuskers in their LPL fixtures in Hambanthota today.
After crushing Galle Gladiators by 34 runs in a rain affected fixture by posting a mammoth 97 runs in a mere five overs, Colombo Kings restricted their rivals for just 62 runs.
West Indian batting machine Andre Russell will be the cynosure of all eyes as he is capable of tormenting any bowling attack. His 19-ball unbeaten 65, inclusive of nine power packed boundaries and four towering sixes, highlighted his capability of destroying any bowling attack.
In addition, they also possess some quality players, including the in- form Dinesh Chandimal - their match winner in the curtain raiser – and their experienced skipper Angelo Mathews, who plays a pivotal role as an all-rounder. They will go out favourites and have hold a slight edge over their rivals. Nevertheless, they have a well-balanced side and will feel fresh after a break in-between their previous matches.
Dambulla Viikings cannot be under estimated under any circumstances. They are led by Dasun Shanaka, another scintillating all-rounder capable of sharing the ball to curtail the batsmen, while using the long handle to score quick runs. They faced a major blow when they lost their dashing opening batsman Oshada Fernando, who is out for a week due to an ankle injury. Team sources revealed that wicketkeeper/batsman Sadeera Samarawickrema has been added to their squad for the injured Fernando.
Both teams are fully pumped up for this fixture and the final playing eleven of both teams will be decided just before the match.
Meanwhile, in the second game under lights, Jaffna Stallions will take on Kandy Tuskers. Kandy Tuskers which includes some big names, is finding it difficult to click as a unit. They are led by dashing opener Kusal Janith Perera. They lost the curtain raiser due to some poor ground fielding, grassing some catches, which is a must at this level. They too faced an injury blow when Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was ruled out after bowling 1.5 overs aggravating a hamstring. The good news for them is that Pakistani seamer Sohail Tanvir and Brendan Taylor the Zimbabwean are ready for selection. They will strive hard for a win against a formidable team.
Jaffna Stallions is another unpredictable side in the fray. Skipper Thisara Perera, an experienced campaigner in this format, is confident about his team, which comprises some inexperienced but talented youngsters who will perform when given the opportunity, and help keep their unbeaten record intact.
Both teams will have a tough task since they are playing back-to-back matches which will test the physical capacity of the players.
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