Jaffna Stallions faced Galle Gladiators in the second fixture of the tournament after a good opening day of the LPL 2020. Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera will lead The Stallions, followed by some significant overseas stars including Shoiab Malik and Kyle Abbott. For them, the unavailability of Dawid Malan, Asif Ali and Ravi Bopara is a considerable blow. They do have some highly-rated local stars who can boast of performing on such a big stage with confidence.
On the other hand, Bhanuka Rajapaksa will lead the Galle Gladiators in the absence of Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi. Without a Lankan legend, Lasith Malinga, they are joining this tournament. They’ve got other international superstars like Chadwick Walton, Mohammad Amir and Afghan opener Hazratullah Zazai.
There are a lack of options in the bowling department with Amir and left-arm spinner, Lakshan Sandakan, and the batting will rely on Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. The Stallions, however with a comparatively better bowling lineup, could be an edge ahead.
Weather
With no more disruption during the match time, the weather forecast suggests a likely passing shower during the afternoon. In front of us, another beautiful evening awaits for a full 40-over game.
Pitch
The pitch at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium should be a decent one to bat on, but for the bowlers as well, there is likely to be support on offer. The batsmen should be capable of playing their natural games, although the early swing on offer and the spinners might test them. In the middle overs, wickets in hand may be crucial, with 170 likely to be a very competitive total in this LPL game at this venue.
Playing XIs:
Jaffna Stallions:
Thisara Perera (c), Tom Moores(wk), Nuwandinu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Shoiab Malik, Dhananjaya de Silva, Duane Olivier, Wanindu Hasaranga, Prabhath Jayasuriya, Kyle Abbott, Suranga Lakmal
Galle Gladiators:
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Chadwick Walton (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Danushka Gunathilaka, Azam Khan, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milinda Siriwardana, Akila Dananjaya, Mohammad Amir, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Lakshan Sandakan
Jaffna Stallions vs Galle Gladiators Dream 11:
Hazratullah Zazai (c), Tom Moores (wk), Shoaib Malik, Avishka Fernando, Wanidu Hasaranga, Thisara Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kyle Abbott, Mohammad Amir, Lakshan Sandakan
The Jaffna Stallions are full of experienced and young T20-format players. This team’s batting order is also substantial, and some well-known hitters like Thisara Perera, Dawid Malan, and Shoaib Malik from the t20 format are part of this team’s squad. Therefore, compared to the Galle Gladiators, they are also a good team in general, at least on papers. The Jaffna Stallions are the favourite team that will win this match, according to our match prediction.