Dambulla Aura and Galle Titans are set to clash in the Qualifier 1 of the Lanka Premier League 2023 on August 17 at R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo. Dambulla, riding a wave of success, clinched the top spot in the league stage. Their dominance is evident in their five consecutive victories, setting the tone for this crucial encounter.
Their well-balanced squad showcased its mettle by posting a competitive 162.7 against Kandy in the last match, and then defending it by keeping their opponents for 142. Avishka Fernando and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s consistent performances provide Dambulla with solid starts, while Ben McDermott is doing good in the middle order. In the bowling department, Dhananjaya de Silva’s standout performance and Hasan Ali’s fiery pace add strength to Dambulla’s arsenal.
Galle Titans, on the other hand, enter the Qualifier with a resounding victory over Colombo. Their impressive bowling display, spearheaded by Tabraiz Shamsi and Seekkuge Prasanna, bundled out Colombo Stars for a meager 74 runs in the last match. With Shamsi leading the bowling charts, Shakib Al Hasan’s all-around ability, and Lahiru Kumara’s pace, Galle has a formidable bowling unit.
Though missing their leading run-scorer Tim Seifert due to national duty, Litton Das and Lasith Croospulle aim to step up. Dasun Shanaka’s leadership and batting performance hold the key to Galle’s batting success.
Match Details:
Tournament: Lanka Premier League 2023, Dambulla Aura vs Galle Titans – Qualifier
Venue: R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
Date & Time: Thursday, August 17, 3:00 PM (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Star Sports and FanCode
R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Spinners have performed very well as the tournament progressed, and the toss-winning team might prefer to set a target rather than chase. The pitch’s nature at R. Premadasa Stadium is set to favor the spinners and offer early movement for seamers.
Probable Playing XIs
Dambulla Aura (DA)
Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ben McDermott, Alex Ross, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Dushan Hemantha, Hasan Ali, Noor Ahmad, Binura Fernando
Galle Titans (GT)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Lasith Croospulle, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Dasun Shanaka (c), Lahiru Samarakoon, Seekkuge Prasanna, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Tabraiz Shamsi
DA vs GT Head to Head Stats
Overall – 8, DA – 5, GT – 2, Tie/NR – 1
Probable Best Batter of the Match
Ben McDermott – Dambulla Aura
Ben McDermott has scores of 69 and 37 in the last two innings he has played. He looks in good touch and can be a game-changer for Dambulla Aura.
Probable Best Bowler of the Match
Tabraiz Shamsi – Galle Titans
Tabraiz Shamsi is enjoying the conditions in Colombo. He has taken 11 wickets in seven games so far in LPL2023.
Today’s Match Prediction: B-Love Kandy to win the match