Unbeaten teams’ clash

Two unbeaten teams Dambulla Viiking and Jaffna Stallions will battle for supremacy, while Kandy Tuskers will confront Galle Gladiators in search of their maiden victory respectively, on day four of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) today.

In the first match at 3.30 p.m., Dambulla Viiking and Jaffna Stallions will compete to maintain their unbeaten record after notching up wins over Kandy Tuskers and Galle Gladiators in their curtain raiser matches played last week. Dambulla Viiking had a major blow when their prolific opener Oshada Fernando twisted his ankle in their tournament opener which has sidelined him from the rest of the tournament. This will no doubt have a major impact on their batting line up. Yet as per their team sources they can manage to find a suitable replacement for Oshada.

Their squad possesses some dashing batters like Angelo Perera, who was in prime form in the concluded domestic cricket tournament. Led by Dasun Shanaka - who is hailed as ‘Captain Cool’ – Dambulla has the edge over their rivals, consisting of a well-balanced side with match winning players in their ranks, who could turn tables for them.

Their opponents Jaffna Stallions captained by Thisara Perera, another cracking all-rounder who has immense experience in this format of the game, including international exposure, will go all out to notch up another win and maintain their unbeaten record. They have some big play makers from the International arena like Shoaib Malik, Johnson Charles and Usman Shinwari, who are match winners. They also have a local blend of players who can deliver the goods for them like Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva and Suranga Lakmal, spearheading the bowling department. Meanwhile, in the second match under lights Kandy Tuskers will confront Galle Gladiators, who are bottom of the table with two losses. Kandy Tuskers lost to Colombo Kings in their curtain raiser which went down to the wire (deciding after the super over), and the second match to Dambulla Viiking on Duckworth Lewis due to heavy showers.

They have to be blamed for their downfall mainly due to some dismal performance in the field. Nevertheless, they have a highly skilled side and a well-executed plan followed by dedication and commitment by their players will enable them to notch up the all-important win.

They also have some injury issues after former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan left the field after bowling 1.5 over due to a hamstring injury. Their other strike blower Sohail Tanvir is under self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. As per team sources he was to go for another PCR test and if the outcome is favourable he might share the new ball. Munaf Patel and Brendon Taylor are also likely to be available for selection today.

Galle Gladiators lost their two matches to Jaffna Stallions and Colombo Kings and are reeling to get in to rhythm as a unit. With the inclusion of former Pakistan star Shahid Afridi they are likely to bounce back today, which also includes some dashing batters who represented the Sri Lanka team.

Nevertheless, an enthralling game of cricket is expected today provided the weather is conducive for cricket.

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