Lanka Premier League 2021: Match 1, Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

The opening match of the Lanka Premier League 2021 is all set to take place between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gladiators at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It will be the first season where the Kings will be marking their presence with the same skipper in form of Thisara Perera.

Talking about Galle Gladiators, they have a strong and talented pool and would be looking to start their tournament on a high. Kings have a combination of star power, great batting depth, and would be high on confidence to kick off the season.

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

Pitch Report

It is expected to be a fine batting wicket with teams chasing having the advantage here. Dew can come in to play the role and hence teams would be expected to bowl first.

Avg score: 152 (42 matches in T20Is at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 22, Lost – 19, N/R – 1

Probable Playing XIs

Galle Gladiators

Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksha (C), Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Dhananjaya Lakshan, Mohammad Amir, Isuru Udana, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kevin Koththigoda, Dilshan Madushanka/Nuwan Thushara

Bench: Dilshan Madushanka/Nuwan Thushara, Samit Patel, Lahiru Madushanka, Mohammad Shamaaz, Suminda Lakshan, Pulina Tharanga, Anwar Ali, Ashian Daniel

Jaffna Kings

Upul Tharanga, Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Faf du Plessis, Avishka Fernando, Ashan Randika, Shoaib Malik, Chaturanga de Silva/Wanindu Hasaranga, Thisara Perera (C), Maheesh Theekshana, Usman Shinwari, Praveen Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal

Bench: Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Faf du Plessis, Chaturanga de Silva/Wanindu Hasaranga, Theivendiram Dinoshan, Krishan Arachchige, Ashen Bandara, Shammu Ashan, Rathnaraja Thanuradan, Chamika Chunasekara, Jayden Seales

Head-to-Head

Played – 3 | Galle Gladiators – 0 | Jaffna Kings– 3 | N/R – 0

Probable best batter of the match

Danushka Gunathilaka— Galle Gladiators

Gunathilaka has been drafted by Gladiators in players’ drafts ahead of LPL 2021. Gunathilaka also stands to be the highest run-getter of the league with 476 runs under his belt.

Probable best bowler of the match

Isuru Udana – Galle Gladiators

Udana has also been drafted by Gladiators ahead of the fresh season and it is likely that he will be seen in best action in the opening game.

Today’s match prediction: The team, batting second to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.