Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings, LPL 2021, Today Match Prediction

ggd vs jsk Match Prediction & Analysis

After 23 exciting games that saw intense action, we are into the final of the Lanka Premier League 2021. The two best sides have qualified for the game, and we are likely to see an exciting game here. The Gladiators defeated the Jaffna Kings in the qualifier and made it to the final while the Kings come into this game after a big win against the Dambulla Giants. 

In the three league games between the two sides, the Gladiators have won all of them and this would make the side confident. But the Kings have otherwise been the most consistent side having won all the remaining games en route to the final. With the two sides having good hitters of the ball we should have a fitting end to the tournament.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Galle Gladiators Preview

Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s side stormed into the final of the tournament with a 64-run win against the Jaffna Kings in the 1st Qualifier. They have won all the three games they have played against the Kings, and this would add to the side’s confidence. However, Rajapaksa would like to guard against complacency as the Kings have been the best team in the tournament so far. 

Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka have hit form at the right time and the side would like to see a positive start from them in this game. Rajapaksa has done well in the middle order, but the side would expect to see runs from Mohammad Hafeez and Anwar Ali who haven’t been in the best of form. In Samit Patel and Isuru Udana, they have good hitters of the ball to follow. 

Mohammad Amir and Samit Patel must deliver a good start in this game as the Kings have good hitters of the ball at the top. Nuwan Thushara did well in the qualifier and the side would expect tight spells from him and Hafeez and Udana in the middle overs. Pulina Tharanga, Anwar Ali, and Hafeez would have to play the role of a fifth bowler well in this game. 

Galle Gladiators Predicted Playing XI:

Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Samit Patel, Sahan Arachchige, Isuru Udana, Anwar Ali, Pulina Tharanga, Mohammad Amir, Nuwan Thushara

Galle Gladiators Actual Playing XI:

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Isuru Udana, Pulina Tharanga, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Samit Patel, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir, Kusal Mendis, Ben Dunk, Nuwan Thushara, Danushka Gunathilaka

Jaffna Kings Preview

Thisara Perera would be a happy man after the 23-run win against the Dambulla Giants in the 2nd Qualifier game. They played well with the bat, but the skipper would like to see better efforts from his bowlers in this game. They have lost all the three games they have played against the Dambulla Giants and Perera would like to end this losing spree and put in their best efforts in the final. 

Avishka Fernando scored a brilliant hundred in the last game and along with Rahmanullah Gurbaz set up a 122-run stand. The same would be expected from the openers here. In the middle order, the side would like to see runs from the bat of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Shoaib Malik, and Perera who bring in solidity to this line-up. Ashan Randika, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Chaturanga de Silva add firepower to their batting. 

Maheesh Theekshana has been in excellent form, and he would like to see support from Hasaranga opening the bowling for the side. Jayden Seales has done well in this tournament, and he would have to continue with his form. The side would also like to see better efforts from Suranga Lakmal, Perera, Malik, and de Silva as they have failed to show consistency with the ball. 

Jaffna Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Thisara Perera (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Avishka Fernando, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Shoaib Malik, Ashan Randika, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chaturanga de Silva, Jayden Seales, Suranga Lakmal, Maheesh Theekshana

Jaffna Kings Actual Playing XI:

Avishka Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Ashan Randika, Jayden Seales, Chaturanga de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Shoaib Malik, Thisara Perera, Wanidu Hasaranga, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

Hambantota would see partly cloudy skies on December 23 and this is expected to offer some respite to the bowlers who have gone for runs. The surface would be flat and batsmen would be able to play on the up. The side batting first in this game would aim to put up 180 runs on the board to feel confident.

Venue Details

Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium is a batsmen’s paradise and we have seen lots of runs being scored here in the past. The wicket is flat here and fast bowlers have generally struggled with nothing on the surface for them. Spinners do well at this venue as there is good turn and bounce on offer. Expect early wickets and bet with the best cricket betting sites in India.

Toss: To Bowl

We have seen big scores being put up and chased on this wicket so far. Bowling conditions get challenging in the evening once dew sets in making it tough to grip the ball. The side winning the toss would like to take advantage of a dry surface by opting to bowl first in this high-pressure contest.