Do-or-die contest for Strikers and Falcons in Eliminator
| Date | July 18, 2024 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Lanka Premier League, 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz has odds of 3.30 to be the Colombo Strikers' best batsman
- Dinesh Chandimal has odds of 3.15 to be the Kandy Falcons' best batsman.
- Shadab Khan has odds of 3.20 to be Colombo Strikers' best bowler
- Wanindu Hasaranga has odds of 3.05 to be the Kandy Falcons' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The stage is set for a big clash in the Lanka Premier League 2024. The Colombo Strikers will face the Kandy Falcons in a do-or-die Eliminator clash. The loser of this game will have to pack its bags for the season. The Colombo Strikers haven't entered the playoffs as they would have liked, losing to Dambulla Sixers in their last league game. The side has won the last three games against the Kandy Falcons and has better odds. The Kandy Falcons put up their best show in the last game against the Dambulla Sixers to finish ahead of them on the points table and reach the playoffs. It is a high-stakes battle for both teams, and we expect a strong show from the players.
Colombo Strikers Preview
Thisara Perera and his men would look to get over their loss against the Dambulla Sixers in the last game. It was a loss against the run of play where their strong batting lineup failed miserably with the bat, ending up with a 28-run loss. They have done well in both games against the Kandy Falcons, improving their odds on cricket betting apps. The side will look forward to its fourth consecutive win in this game.
After their poor performance in the last game, the side will need a good show from the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Angelo Perera. Muhammad Waseem will look to anchor the innings in the middle overs and add runs with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Glenn Phillips. The side will also need Thisara Perera, Shadab Khan, and Dunith Wellalage to deliver a strong show in the lower middle order.
On the bowling front, the side will expect tight spells with the new ball from Binura Fernando and Isitha Wijesundera. Shadab Khan has bowled well, and he will look to check the scoring rate in the middle overs alongside Thisara Perera. Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana add depth to the bowling, making it strong.
Expected Starting XI for Colombo Strikers
Thisara Perera (c), Angelo Perera, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Glenn Phillips, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Muhammad Waseem, Shadab Khan, Isitha Wijesundera, Dunith Wellalage, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana
Kandy Falcons Preview
Wanindu Hasaranga's team won by 54 runs in the last game against the Dambulla Sixers. It was a much-needed win for the team, allowing them to qualify for the players with a better run rate than the Sixers. The odds of Hasaranga's team being on cricket betting sites are down. He would like his team to perform well in this game, as they haven't defeated the Strikers in the last three games.
Dinesh Chandimal is the key batsman in the side and must deliver a strong start with Andre Fletcher. The side will need a good show from the middle order, and Hasaranga must build partnerships with Mohammad Haris and Kamindu Mendis. In the lower middle order, Dasun Shanaka and Angelo Matthews will look to add quick runs.
The bowling attack has struggled in most games, and they need early wickets from Angelo Matthews and Dasun Shanaka. Ramesh Mendis, Mohammad Hasnain, and Hasaranga must bowl tight spells in the middle overs. The side will also need a good performance from Kamindu Mendis in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Kandy Falcons
Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Andre Fletcher, Mohammad Haris, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Ramesh Mendis, Chamath Gomez, Chaturanga de Silva, Mohammad Hasnain
TOSS: To Bowl First
It is a tough wicket to defend scores. Most games have been won by sides that have chased totals as the wicket gets better to bat on in the second half. It is a high-stakes game, and both teams will look to bowl first on winning the toss.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We will see cloudy skies over Colombo. The batting conditions will be perfect, where batsmen can play their strokes freely, as there isn't much on this track for the bowlers. The side batting first will aim to have 180 runs on the board to feel confident on this track.
OUR PREDICTION
The Kandy Falcons have struggled against the Colombo Strikers in recent matches. The top order hasn't been consistent, which will worry the team. It will be interesting to see if they can fire up after three losses against their opponents. The Colombo Strikers have a strong batting lineup and variety in their bowling attack. We expect a close game, but the Strikers have the edge.
Our prediction is for Colombo Strikers to win
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