Lanka Premier League 2021: Match 19, Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gladiators, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

The table-toppers Jaffna Kings will play second-placed Galle Gladiators in the 19th league fixture of the Lanka Premier League 2021 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on December 17.

The Kings routed the hapless Colombo Stars in their previous fixture, wrapping them for 91 after setting a whopping 194-run target on the back of Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 92-run blitz, including eight sixes and five fours. Later, with the ball, Jayden Seales’ exception four-wicket haul pushed Stars into submission, as the Kings solidified their top spot. Having lost only one encounter thus far – against their immediate rivals, the 2021 LPL opener by 54 runs – they have 12 points from seven games.

The Gladiators, on the other hand, won their recent game against Dambulla Giants by nine runs in a rain-curtailed event. Reduced to 14-overs-a-side, the Gladiators posted 134/7, with Kusal Mendis scoring a brisk 35 alongside Bhanuka Rajapakse’s 33 off 20. The Giants had their moments during the chase but ended up with 125/5, losing out on two crucial points.

Match Details

Match – Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gladiators – Match 19

Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Time – 03:30 PM IST

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The traditionally spin-friendly Khettarama surfaces have had a bit of zing for the pacers too. With plenty of games being affected by rain, the teams need to be wary of DLS coming into play. In the completed fixtures thus far in this edition, the team chasing has lost eight times out of 15.

Average score: 155 (in LPL games so far)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 7, Lost – 8, N/R – 1

Probable top performers

Jaffna Kings

Upul Tharanga (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Ashan Randika, Shoaib Malik, Ashen Bandara, Thisara Perera (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jayden Seales, Usman Shinwari, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

Galle Gladiators 

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapakse (C), Samit Patel, Mohammad Hafeez, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Isuru Udana, Mohammed Shamaaz (wk), Noor Ahmed, Pulina Tharanga, Mohammad Amir

Probable top performers

Samit Patel is the joint leading wicket-taker of the tournament currently, tied on 13 wickets with Kings’ Maheesh Theekshana. Patel’s economy has been an impressive 5.14, and he was the Player of the Match for his 3/14 in the reverse fixture.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore, with 213 runs at a strike rate of nearly 150 in seven innings, is currently the third-leading run-scorer of the tournament.

Today’s match prediction: Jaffna Kings 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.