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Danushka Gunathilaka (Source: Twitter)
The second edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is all set to begin on Sunday (December 5). Jaffna Kings are set to cross swords with Galle Gladiators at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Kings will be led by former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera. The Kings’ squad boasts of youth and experience.
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Upal Tharanga, Usman Khan, Avishka Fernando, and Suranga Lakmal are the players Perera will have at his disposal. Fernando was in good form for Sri Lanka in the recently concluded 20-20 World Cup. He thrived at his new role at number four and helped the team close the innings well. He will be aiming to do the same against Gladiators.
The spin-bowling of Kings also looks good with the presence of mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana. The youngster made all the right noises during the showpiece event and was hard to get by. His variations coupled with unorthodox elements make him the dangerous customer in the shortest format.
The squad overall looks solid and Perera will hope to start the campaign with a win. Meanwhile, Gladiators will pose a unique challenge to Kings. Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa has solid foreign personnel in the form of Mohammed Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Mohammed Amir. The trio have a plethora of experience and knows how to handle pressure situations.
Gladiators though have never beaten Kings in three attempts. Rajapaksa would like to change the trend when they kick off their campaign.
Pitch Report
The pitch at R Premadasa in Colombo is expected to favor batting teams. Since it is a day-night game, dew might be one of the factors with teams opting to bowl first.
Probable Playing XIs for GG vs JK:
Galle Gladiators
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mohammad Shamaaz, Danushka Gunathilaka, Pulina Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Samit Patel, Lahiru Madushanka, Ashian Daniel, Nuwan Thushara, Isuru Udana, Tabraiz Shamsi
Jaffna Kings
Avishka Fernando, Upul Tharanga, Ashen Bandara, Ashan Randika, Thisara Perera, Krishan Arachchige, Suranga Lakmal, Chathuranga de Silva, Usman Khan Shinwari, Jayden Seales, Maheesh Theekshana
Match Details
Match – Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings – Match 1
Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time – 07:30 PM IST, 02:00 PM GMT
Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV