Colombo Stars will take on Kandy Warriors in their final group stage match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2021. Only Jaffna Kings have secured a place in the semis and the remaining three places will be decided on Friday (December 17). Stars are placed fifth on the points table with six points. The Warriors are placed last, with four points and a negative net run-rate of -0.302.
Stars also have a negative net run-rate and both teams will be keen to improve that in the coming game. The Stars' run rate took a pounding against the Kings, as they went down by 102 runs. They were shot down for 91 in a tall run-chase of 194. The batting has looked edgy for Stars with big players like Tom Banton, Kusal Perera, and Angelo Matthews not showing the required amount of consistency. Only Dinesh Chandimal has managed to perform well in most of the games.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have some momentum with them on account of a six-wicket victory over the Dambulla Giants. After a string of losses, the Warriors finally managed to get over the line. Their chances of making it to the playoffs will depend on their win over Stars and some other results going in their favour.
Pitch Report
The surface has been slightly on the slower side, with spinners getting plenty of help. However, short boundaries on either side have allowed the batters to hit big shots.
Average score: 155 (in LPL games so far)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 7, Lost – 8, N/R – 1
Probable Playing XIs
Kandy Warriors
Ahmed Shehzad, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Minod Bhanuka, Tom Moores, Angelo Perera (c), Kamindu Mendis, Ravi Bopara, Nimesh Vimkuthi, Sachindu Colombage, Shiraz Ahmed, Binura Fernando
Colombo Stars
Pathum Nissanka, Tom Banton, Kusal Perera (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Sherfane Rutherford, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ravindu Fernando, Seekkuge Prasanna, David Wiese, Dushmantha Chameera, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Rampaul
Match Details
Match – Colombo Stars vs Kandy Warriors – Match 20
Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time – 07:30 PM IST
Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV