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The 2024 Sri Lanka Premier League kicks off with an exciting clash between B-Love Kandy and Dambulla Sixers at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This eagerly awaited match starts at 19:30 local time on Monday, 1st July 2024.
Pitch Report: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
The Pallekele pitch is expected to be dry and dusty with good pace. Spinners will likely benefit from turn, making it a challenging surface for batters. A par score on this wicket is projected to be 165+.
Team Previews
B-Love Kandy
Defending champions B-Love Kandy will begin their title defense with a re-run of last year’s final. Led by all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, they will also benefit from the experience of veteran Angelo Mathews. Skipper Hasaranga, the highest run-scorer in the 2023 Sri Lanka Premier League, is expected to continue his aggressive style. Dinesh Chandimal, who had a strong 2023 tournament, adds depth to their batting lineup. Hasaranga will be key with his spin, supported by Mathews and Dasun Shanaka. Slow left-arm spinner Chaturanga de Silva, who took two wickets in last year’s final, is expected to play a crucial role. B-Love Kandy ended last season on a high, winning three consecutive matches to claim the title.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Mohammad Haris
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
- Angelo Mathews
- Wanindu Hasaranga (c)
- Chaturanga de Silva
- Dasun Shanaka
- Lakshan Sandakan
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Shammu Ashan
Dambulla Sixers
Mohammad Nabi is set to captain Dambulla Sixers but may miss the opening match due to Afghanistan’s late exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team will be eager to avenge last year’s final defeat. The Sixers boast a strong batting lineup with Kusal Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka likely opening. New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, known for his T20 prowess, is expected to bat at number three. With Noor Ahmad absent this season, Dilshan Madushanka, Mustafizur Rahman, and Praveen Jayawickrama will lead the bowling attack. The Sixers were in excellent form last season, winning six consecutive matches before falling short in the final.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Kusal Perera (wk)
- Danushka Gunathilaka
- Mark Chapman
- Lahiru Udara
- Towhid Hridoy / Mohammad Nabi (c)
- Dushan Hemantha
- Ranesh Silva
- Praveen Jayawickrama
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Nuwan Thushara
Match Prediction
Cricket fans are in for a treat as the Lanka Premier League begins with a clash between last year’s finalists. Both teams are strong contenders, but B-Love Kandy’s all-round capabilities give them a slight edge. We are backing B-Love Kandy to win the opening game against Dambulla Sixers.
Prediction: B-Love Kandy to beat Dambulla Sixers.
