Jaffna Stallions and Dambulla Viiking became the first two teams to secure a berth in the semi-finals of the ‘My11Circle’ Lanka Premier League (LPL) scheduled for next week.
After their match ended in a no decision on Monday due to heavy rain, Jaffna Stallions will now take on Kandy Tuskers in the first game today, while Dambulla Viiking will take on Galle Gladiators, who created the biggest upset of the tournament by defeating the high riding Colombo Kings. The Gladiators will look to create another upset in the second game under lights.
Jaffna Stallions head the table with nine points on a plus net run rate, with Dambulla Viiking also on nine points.
Based on past performance, today’s fixture is likely to be a ‘cake-walk’ for Jaffna Stallions against bottom placed Kandy Tuskers, who have only managed to win a single match so far.
Although this game is a key fixture for them, they are likely to experiment with a few other players who are on the bench.
Starting as underdogs Thisara has shown tremendous impetus to their owners that they are a side capable of turning tables.
On the other hand, Kandy Tuskers only hope will be the inclusion of South African seamer Dale Steyn to their ranks.
They had numerous opportunities of winning several games starting from their curtain raiser, but failed to capitalize.
Comprising a well-balanced side and led by dashing Sri Lankan opener Kusal Janith Perera, they had some flying starts to their innings, but the middle order batters and bowlers failed to rise to the occasion and deliver the goods for them. As per a senior official of the team, the team management had a serious talk with their players to motivate them, so they are likely to fire on all cylinders to notch up another win if they are to remain further in the competition. The final playing composition will be known before the game.
Meanwhile, in the second game Dambulla Viiking led by dashing all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, is the second team to qualify for the semi-finals. This game is going to be an important tussle as the Galle lads showed their fighting spirit to bounce back to claim their first win.
Their spin duo Akila Dananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan span a web in their last outing to curtail their rivals to a reachable total. Once again, their contribution is likely to play a pivotal role provided their batsmen lay a solid foundation for the bowlers to bowl at. Nevertheless, it is going to be an interesting game and once again the team which executes a proper plan will come out as winners.
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