Galle Marvel's title quest against three-time champions
| Date | July 21, 2024 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Lanka Premier League, 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Alex Hales has odds of 2.90 to be the Galle Marvels' best batsman.
- Kusal Mendis has odds of 3.55 to be the Jaffna Kings' best batsman.
- Isuru Udana has odds of 3.65 to be Galle Marvels' best bowler
- Jason Behrendorff has odds of 3.25 to be the Jaffna Kings' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The Lanka Premier League 2024 has been exciting, and we have seen close contests and new players making their names. It is the grand finale, and the Galle Marvels take on the Jaffna Kings. It will be a befitting contest as the two teams that finished at the top of the points table in the league stage with equal points battle for the trophy. The Galle Marvels defeated the Jaffna Kings in the 1st Qualifier, and the side had slightly higher odds. The Jaffna Kings defeated the Kandy Falcons in a last-ball 2nd Qualifier to book their berth in this game. They have won the title thrice in the last four seasons and have players who can perform on this stage. Both teams have high stakes, and we expect a close contest.
Galle Marvels Preview
Niroshan Dickwella's team has been playing as a well-oiled unit this season. They defeated the Jaffna Kings by 7 wickets in the 1st Qualifier to earn a direct berth in the final, and the skipper will expect his players to deliver the killer punch. They have slightly better odds on cricket betting sites but have lost in the final twice against the Kings. The side will look to put past upsets behind and deliver a strong show here.
Alex Hales is among the top run scorers this season and shall aim for an electrifying start with Niroshan Dickwella. Janith Liyanage will look to anchor the innings and build partnerships with Tim Seifert and Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the middle order. The team needs big hits from Sahan Arachchige, Isuru Udana, and Dwaine Pretorius in the lower middle order.
Dwaine Pretorius and Isuru Udana must get the early breakthroughs to trouble Jaffna Kings' formidable top order. Maheesh Theekshana will look to bring his experience into play and do well in the middle overs with Kavindu Nadeeshan. Sahan Arachchige and Prabath Jayasuriya need to bowl tight spells for the team's victory.
Expected Starting XI for Galle Marvels
Niroshan Dickwella (c & wk), Tim Seifert, Alex Hales, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Isuru Udana, Sahan Arachchige, Dwaine Pretorius, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Prabath Jayasuriya, Maheesh Theekshana
Jaffna Kings Preview
Charith Asalanka's team entered the final with a 1-run win in a nail-biting contest against the Kandy Falcons. The side defended four runs in the last ball to reach the final for a record fourth time. The bowling attack hasn't fared well, which pushes them slightly behind on cricket betting apps. They have won the trophy thrice, and Asalanka would like another one this year with a good show in the final.
Kusal Mendis will be confident after his hundred in the last game and look to deliver a strong start with Pathum Nissanka. Avishka Fernando has destroyed bowling attacks this year and shall look to do well in the middle order with Charith Asalanka and Rilee Rossouw. They want to see Dhananjaya de Silva, and Azmatullah Omarzai do the heavy lifting in the final overs.
The bowlers have struggled this season, and the team needs early strikes from Asitha Fernando and Jason Behrendorff. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Fabian Allen must check the run rate in the middle overs. The side will also need Dhananjaya de Silva and Azmatullah Omarzai to deliver the goods in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Jaffna Kings
Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Rilee Rossouw, Dhananjaya de Silva, Avishka Fernando, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Fabian Allen, Jason Behrendorff, Asitha Fernando
TOSS: To Bowl First
Few teams have defended totals successfully at this venue. The wicket is great for chasing scores and gets better for batting in the second half under the lights. The side winning the toss here would look to bowl first and chase the score.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We will see clear skies over Colombo and shall have a warm and humid evening. The batting conditions shall be good as batsmen can play on the rise and score runs on this track. The side batting first will aim to have 180 runs on the board to feel confident on this track.
OUR PREDICTION
The Jaffna Kings have done well in the last few games, but the team has struggled with the ball in several games, and they must form with the ball to win the title for the fourth time. The Galle Marvels have had their best season this year, and the batting lineup has done well. We expect a close game, but going by the form of the teams, we expect the Marvels to be slightly ahead.
Our prediction is for Galle Marvels to win
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