Dambulla Viiking vs Kandy Tuskers, Lanka Premier League 2020, Today Match Prediction 03 Dec 2020

dhk vs kdt Match Prediction & Analysis

The Dambulla Viiking would look to move up on the points table as they take on the Kandy Tuskers in the 10th game of the Lanka Premier League. The Viiking come into this game after a confident win against the Colombo Kings and a win here would take them to the second position on the points table. Tuskers lost to Jaffna Stallions in the last game and this would put additional pressure on the side to win here. 

Kandy Tuskers have just one win from their four games so far and the side would have to win this one to move up on the points table. Their openers have looked in poor form and this is increasing the pressure on the side. Viiking had won the previous game between the two teams and this will increase their confidence going into this one. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Dambulla Viiking Preview

Dasun Shanaka’s side regained its form and confidence after the 28-run win against the Colombo Kings in the last game. Their batsmen did well in the game but it was their bowlers who managed to script the victory for the side. They had defeated the Kandy Tuskers earlier in the season and this would add to the side’s confidence ahead of this game. 

The side would be hoping to see a good start from Niroshan Dickwella as both these players haven’t done well so far. The middle order is looking good with Upul Tharanga scoring runs in the last game and Shanaka along with Samit Patel having been consistent with the bat in all the games. With Angelo Perera and Anwar Ali to follow, batting looks formidable for the side. 

Their bowlers finally hit form in the last game and this would boost the side’s confidence. Patel and Kasun Rajitha will be looking to pick early wickets during the Power Play. Malinda Pushpakumara and Ali bowled well in the last game and they will carry this confidence into this game. In Sachindu Colombage and Pulina Tharanga the side has bowling depth that will work in their favour. 

Dambulla Viiking Predicted Playing XI:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Paul Stirling, Upul Tharanga, Angelo Perera, Samit Patel, Pulina Tharanga, Malinda Pushpakumara, Sachindu Colombage, Kasun Rajitha, Anwar Ali

Dambulla Viiking Actual Playing XI:

Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Kasun Rajitha, Samiullah Shenwari, Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Anwar Ali, Malinda Pushpakumara, Sachindu Colombage, Samit Patel, Angelo Perera

Kandy Tuskers Preview

Kusal Perera’s side suffered a crashing defeat at the hands of Jaffna Stallions in the last game where they lost by 54 runs. With three losses in four games the side is under pressure at the moment. It was a below par show from their batsmen in the last game that resulted in their loss. With their backs to the wall Perera would be looking for a strong comeback from his side in this game. 

The side would need a positive start from Perera and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as they have been inconsistent so far in the tournament. The middle order is looking strong with Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Brendan Taylor in the side. Asela Gunaratne and Seekkuge Prasanna have good hitting abilities down the order and the side would look for a better start from them in this game. 

Munaf Patel did well with the ball, and so did Gunaratne but the rest of the bowlers leaked runs in the last game. Dilruwan Perera will have to strike early with the new ball against the strong batting line-up that Viiking have. Nuwam Pradeep and Naveen-ul-Haq will need to bowl tighter lines for the side to win this game.

Kandy Tuskers Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Perera (c & wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Mendis, Brendan Taylor, Asela Gunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dilruwan Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Naveen-ul-Haq, Munaf Patel

Kandy Tuskers Actual Playing XI:

Dilruwan Perera, Naveen-ul-Haq, BRM Taylor, Munaf Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, S Prasanna, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

It will be clear skies over Hambantota on December 03 though there would be odd clouds. The pitch has been flat and this is allowing batsmen to play their strokes without any hesitation. Bowlers have found it hard to bowl on this track so far and we expect to see another high scoring encounter in this game.

Venue Details

Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota’s track offers advantage to the batsmen and the fast outfield makes it easy for them to score runs. There is nothing in this track for the fast bowlers who have struggled here so far. Spinners do get turn on this pitch and have enjoyed good success.

Toss: To Bat

We have already seen massive scores being put up on the board by sides that have batted first in this tournament. The pitches have been batting friendly and this is adding to the victories for side batting first. The choice at the toss would be simple one for the captains and the one winning it would bat first in all likelihood.