JSK vs CLS Match Preview
The Jaffna Kings have once again managed to gather a well-balanced squad. The batting will be one of the biggest strengths of the team as, in addition to domestic players like Nishan Madushka, Ashan Randika, and Asela Gunaratne, the Kings have picked up some of the biggest hitters in T20 cricket, including Chris Lynn, David Miller, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Charith Asalanka, Perera, and Shoaib Malik add depth to the batting. Coming to the bowling, spinner Vijaykanth Viyaskanth was the leading wicket-taker for the team last season and has been retained for this year too. He will be supported by Maheesh Theekshana, who is in excellent form, as well as Dunith Wellalage.
The pace attack will be led by Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, and Zaman Khan.
The Strikers are the only team in this season of the LPL that will be led by an overseas player, Babar Azam. He will be one of the key batsmen for the team in this game, along with domestic star Pathum Nissanka. Overseas players Lorcan Tucker and Iftikhar Ahmed have a reputation for scoring quick runs, while all-rounders Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, and Mohammad Nawaz add depth to the batting.
Wahab Riaz, Naseem Shah, and Matheesha Pathirana make up for a formidable pace attack, but the spin department lacks a consistent performer.
Weather Report
The weather will remain warm and humid. Rain is not predicted for match day and we will hopefully not have any interruptions.
Pitch Report
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is well-balanced, providing equal opportunities to the bowlers as well as the batsmen. The seamers will get some movement early on in the match, while the spinners will come into action during the second half. The batsmen will find it easy to play their shots once they settle down.
The par score here is around 145.
Notable stats
Vijaykanth Viyaskanth’s Consistent Bowling
Vijaykanth Viyaskanth was Jaffna Kings’ leading wicket-taker during the last season. He picked up 13 wickets in 8 matches at a strike rate of 14.76 and an economy rate of 6.68.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
JSK vs CLS Probable 11
JSK Playing 11
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk)
- Thisara Perera (C)
- David Miller
- Shoaib Malik
- Charith Asalanka
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Vijaykanth Viyaskanth
- Zaman Khan
- Asela Gunaratne
CLS Playing 11
- Niroshan Dickwella (Wk)
- Babar Azam (C)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Wahab Riaz
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Naseem Shah
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Ramesh Mendis
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Angelo Perera
Dream11 Prediction
The Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers are two of the strongest teams in the league, making this a difficult match to call. However, we are going to back the Jaffna Kings to win as they have won each of its last 5 encounters against Colombo and have the potential to do the same.
Top Picks
Babar Azam: Babar Azam is one of the most consistent batsmen in the T20 format. He has scored 9201 runs so far at an average of 44.02 and a strike rate of 128.68.
Shoaib Malik: A veteran of the T20 format, Shoaib Malik can contribute with the bat as well as the ball. Malik has scored a total of 12528 runs in the shortest front and also picked up 166 wickets.
Maheesh Theekshana: Theekshana had a good outing in the recently concluded IPL amd we think he will carry on with his form in the LPL too. Theekshana has picked up 120 wickets and has an excellent economy rate of 6.61 runs per over.
JSK vs CLS Dream11 Team 1
Batters: R Gurbaz, D Miller, B Azam (C), S Malik (VC), P Nissanka
All-rounders: T Perera, M Nawaz
Bowlers: N Shah, M Theekshana, M Pathirana, V Viyskanth
