Lanka Premier League: Dambulla Giants will lock horns with Jaffna Kings in Qualifier 2 in Hambantota. The winner of this fixture will secure their spot in the final. The winner of the second qualifier will take on Galle Gladiators in the all-important final.
Where and When
Match: Dambulla Giants vs Jaffna Kings, Qualifier 2
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota – Sri Lanka
Date: December 21, Tuesday
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Live Streaming Details
The live telecast of this match will be available on Sony Six and Sony Ten. The live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV website and app.
Preview
This is a do-or-die situation for Dambulla Giants and Jaffna Kings as they confront a must-win Qualifier 2 encounter. Both teams have been terrific so far this season. They have come a long way to reach here.
However, either of the team would go to the final. Earlier, Galle Gladiators defeated Jaffna Kings by 64 runs and secured their place in the final. The final will kick off on December 23, Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota.
Meanwhile, Jaffna Kings must have figured out their weaknesses and would try to not repeat the same mistakes. They are blessed with another chance to showcase their mettle in the competition.
On the other hand, Dambulla Giants got the better of Colombo Stars in the Eliminator. They fancied their chances and were on top of the game. In fact, they didn’t let the opposition dictate terms.
Dambulla Giants knocked Colombo Stars out of the competition. They won the game by six wickets. However, now they face a tough challenge up ahead as they will take on Jaffna Kings.
Unfortunately, Dambulla Giants haven’t won even a single game so far against Jaffna Kings. Yes, both teams met each other on four occasions but Jaffna Kings came through with flying colours. Jaffna Kings will start as favourites for this encounter.
Lanka Premier League – Squad News and Injury News
Since it is a qualifier 2, also known as the Eliminator, both teams will look to field the strong players in order to get a positive result. Earlier, Dasun Shanaka missed the Eliminator due to an injury. If he has recovered, he will make a rebound into the team.
Dambulla Giants vs Jaffna Kings Playing XI
Dambulla Giants
Niroshan Dickwella (c & wk), Philip Salt, Janith Liyanage, Sandun Weerakkody or Dasun Shanaka, Najibullah Zadran, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis, Sachitha Jayathilake or Tharindu Ratnayake, Joshua Little, Imran Tahir, Nuwan Pradeep
Jaffna Kings
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) or Upul Tharanga, Avishka Fernando, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Shoaib Malik, Thisara Perera (c), Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chaturanga de Silva, Wahab Riaz or Jayden Seales, Suranga Lakmal, Maheesh Theekshana
Lanka Premier League – Dambulla Giants vs Jaffna Kings Head to Head
Surprisingly, Dambulla Giants have never beaten Jaffna Kings in the history of the Lanka Premier League. Both teams locked horns with each other on four occasions. Jaffna Kings won all four encounters.
Lanka Premier League – Dambulla Giants vs Jaffna Kings Key Players
Phil Salt – It is fair to say that Phil Salt has been single-handedly carrying Dambulla Giants on his shoulders in batting. He scored 279 runs in 9 games.
Imran Tahir – Imran Tahir is one of the experienced spinners in T20 cricket. Dambulla Giants spinner is the second leading wicket-taker this season with 15 wickets in 9 games.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore – The right-handed batsman has been scintillating form this season for Jaffna Kings as he scored 224 runs in 9 games.
Wanindu Hasaranga – The all-rounder can be a lethal weapon especially in key fixtures. He can contribute with the bat and ball.
Lanka Premier League – Dambulla Giants vs Jaffna Kings Dream11 Prediction
Team 1
Wicket Keeper: Niroshan Dickwella
Batsmen: Phil Salt, Tom Kohler Cadmore, Shoaib Malik, Najibullah Zadran
All Rounders: Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers: Nuwan Pradeep, Imran Tahir, Joshua Little, Maheesh Theekshana
Captain: Tom Koker Cadmore
Vice-captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
Team 2
Wicket Keepers– R Gurbaz
Batsmen– Najibullah-Zadran, T Kohler-Cadmore, P Salt
All Rounders– T Perera, W Hasaranga
Bowlers– W Riaz, I Tahir, N Pradeep, C Karunaratne, M Theekshana
Captain– Tom Koker Cadmore
Vice-captain– P Salt
Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the Author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
