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The third game of the Lanka Premier League 2024 sees the Colombo Strikers beginning their campaign against the Kandy Falcons. The Falcons, who finished last in the previous season, have already started strong this year with a victory against the Dambulla Sixers and will look to maintain their momentum.
Meanwhile, the Colombo Strikers are hoping to improve on their performance from last season, where they managed only three wins. With several new additions to their squad, the Strikers aim to hit the ground running in their opening match.
Teams Preview
Colombo Strikers
Colombo Strikers have revamped their squad for this season under the leadership of Thisara Perera. The team blends youth with experience, aiming to make a strong impact right from the start. The Strikers’ batting lineup looks promising, with explosive openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Muhammad Waseem capable of giving the team quick starts. The middle order, featuring Glenn Phillips, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Angelo Perera, adds depth and stability. Thisara Perera, Shadab Khan, and Chamika Karunaratne will look to finish innings on a high. The bowling attack is led by Taskin Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana, who need to provide early breakthroughs. Spin duties will be shared by Dunith Wellalage and Shadab Khan, while Thisara Perera and Chamika Karunaratne offer versatility and support in the bowling department.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Thisara Perera (c)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Glenn Phillips
- Taskin Ahmed
- Muhammad Waseem
- Angelo Perera
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Shadab Khan
Kandy Falcons
The Kandy Falcons, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, have started their season on a high note with a win against the Dambulla Sixers. They aim to build on this momentum in their clash against the Strikers. Dinesh Chandimal and Andre Fletcher form a strong opening pair, followed by experienced players like Angelo Mathews and Mohammad Haris. Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka provide solidity in the middle order, with Shanaka coming off a match-winning performance in the last game. Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera were effective with the new ball in their previous match. However, the middle overs require tightening, which will be the responsibility of Hasaranga and Mohammad Hasnain. Kamindu Mendis and Chamath Gomez need to contribute effectively as supporting bowlers.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (c)
- Andre Fletcher
- Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
- Mohammad Haris
- Kamindu Mendis
- Angelo Mathews
- Dasun Shanaka
- Chaturanga de Silva
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Chamath Gomez
- Mohammad Hasnain
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers a flat track with fast outfield, favoring batsmen. While the large boundaries provide some respite to bowlers, spinners could play a crucial role due to the pitch’s ability to grip and turn.
Weather Conditions: Clear skies are expected in Pallekele, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. Humidity levels will be high, and there might be occasional showers. Batting first and posting a score around 180 should be a safe strategy given the conditions.
Toss Prediction: Winning the toss, teams might prefer to bowl first, given the difficulty in defending totals at this venue and the ease of chasing under evening conditions.
Winning Prediction
The Colombo Strikers have several new players, and it may take time for them to find cohesion. They possess a strong batting lineup but need their bowlers to step up against a confident Kandy Falcons team. The Falcons have the momentum from their recent win and look well-balanced.
Prediction: Kandy Falcons to win, leveraging their current form and balanced team composition.
