Courtesy of their phenomenal win over three-time champions Jaffna Kings in the Eliminator, B-Love Kandy have moved one step closer to the coveted prize and will next challenge Galle Titans on their road to the final. Mohammad Haris and Dinesh Chandimal were phenomenal with the bat while with the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga wreaked havoc, as the spinner picked up six wickets in the middle. Thus, overall, they will be in a much better place going to Qualifier 2.
Galle Titans meanwhile had a good season but lost to B-Love Kandy earlier in the tournament. Even in the Qualifier 1, they lost to Dambulla Aura and thus, they don’t have the much-needed momentum that’s needed. Nevertheless, Lasith Croospulle was phenomenal in the last match, hitting 80 runs off 61 deliveries and he will once again be key for the side in the second qualifier. Middle order batters however need to improve immediately.
Match Details:
Tournament: Lanka Premier League 2023, Galle Titans vs B-Love Kandy – Qualifier 2
Venue: R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
Date & Time: Saturday, August 19, 7:30 PM (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Star Sports and FanCode
R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The surface in R Premadasa might favour the spinners but overall, a healthy contest between the bat and the ball is expected. The skipper winning the toss should decide to bat first and anything over 160 should be safe.
Probable Playing XIs
Galle Titans (GT)
Lasith Croospulle, Litton Das (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Najibullah Zadran, Dasun Shanaka (c), Lahiru Samarakoon, Seekkuge Prasanna, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Tabraiz Shamsi
B-Love Kandy (BLK)
Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Sahan Arachchige, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Asif Ali, Kamindu Mendis, Isuru Udana, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nuwan Pradeep
GT vs BLK Head to Head Stats
Overall – 8, GT – 4, BLK – 4,
Probable Best Batter of the Match
Lasith Croospulle – Galle Titans
Opener Lasith Croospulle is in incredible form at the moment. The 24-year-old has accumulated 218 runs in seven matches and will be aiming to keep up with the momentum in order to help his team get over the line.
Probable Best Bowler of the Match
Wanindu Hasaranga – B-Love Kandy
Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up six wickets in the last match and has 17 to his name in the tournament. With that, he is currently the leading wicket-taker of the tournament and can prove to be extremely dangerous in the second qualifier.
Today’s Match Prediction: Galle Titans to win the match
