Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gladiators, LPL 2021, Today Match Prediction 17 December 2021

jsk vs ggd Match Prediction & Analysis

The Jaffna Kings would be up against the Galle Gladiators in the 19th game of the Lanka Premier League 2021. The Kings have by far been the most dominant team in the tournament and come here with a massive win against the Colombo Stars. The Gladiators also regained their form and defeated the Dambulla Giants in the lead-up to this game. 

The Kings have won the last six games and they have momentum on their side. Their top order has delivered good performances in most games, and the bowling attack has also troubled the opponents. The Gladiators had won the earlier game of the season between the two teams, and it would be interesting to see if they can deliver another blow to the Jaffna Kings in this game. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Jaffna Kings Preview

The Kings have been at their dominant best and Thisara Perera’s side comes here with a convincing 102-run win against the Colombo Stars. It was a spectacular show from their batsmen followed by disciplined bowling that saw them to a win. Their only loss in the tournament has come against the Gladiators and Perera shall look to settle scores and carry momentum into the next round. 

The new opening combination of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Upul Tharanga set up a 110-run stand in the last game and the side would expect another good start from them. In the middle order, Avishka Fernando has done well and he would look to add runs with Perera and Shoaib Malik. In Wanindu Hasaranga, Chaturanga de Silva and Ashen Bandara, the side has good hitters of the ball to follow. 

Maheesh Theekshana has been a star performer for the side in this tournament and he would look to do well along with Usman Shinwari with the new ball. Jayden Seales grabbed 4 wickets in the last game and a similar performance would be expected from him.  Suranga Lakmal, Hasaranga and Chaturanga de Silva bring in good balance to this attack.

Jaffna Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Thisara Perera (c), Upul Tharanga (wk), Avishka Fernando, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Ashen Bandara, Shoaib Malik, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chaturanga de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Jayden Seales, Suranga Lakmal

Jaffna Kings Actual Playing XI:

Avishka Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Ashen Bandara, Wahab Riaz, Praveen Jayawickrama, Chaturanga de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Shoaib Malik, Thisara Perera, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Galle Gladiators Preview

It was a much-needed win for Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s side in the last game against the Dambulla Giants. They had lost the two previous games and needed to win this one to regain their momentum. The side did well with the bat and the ball and ended up winning the game by 9 runs. It would be a massive challenge for them against the Kings and Rajapaksa would like to see his players play their natural game. 

Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka looked in good form and they would have to set up a good opening stand in this big game. The middle-order has been a problem area for the side and Rajapaksa shall have to lead from the front and set up partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez and Samit Patel. Dhananjaya Lakshan, Isuru Udana, and Mohammed Shamaaz will have to do well towards the end of the innings. 

Mohammad Amir and Samit Patel have looked good with the new ball in the last two games, and they would have to stop the Kings’ batsmen from running away with the game. The side would expect tighter spells from Isuru Udana in the middle overs as he has leaked runs in most games. Pulina Tharanga and Noor Ahmed have to check the flow of runs as the Kings have good firepower with the bat.

Galle Gladiators Predicted Playing XI:

Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Mohammad Hafeez, Samit Patel, Mohammed Shamaaz (wk), Dhananjaya Lakshan, Isuru Udana, Noor Ahmad, Pulina Tharanga, Mohammad Amir

Galle Gladiators Actual Playing XI:

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pramod Madushan, Isuru Udana, Pulina Tharanga, Noor Ahmad, Samit Patel, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir, Kusal Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Danushka Gunathilaka

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There are rains on the cards in Colombo on December 17 and we would have cloudy skies throughout the day. Batting conditions have become challenging in the last few games. However, the surface has been a good one to bat on and the side batting first here would need to put up 160 runs on board to feel confident.

Venue Details

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo has a flat track and a fast outfield. Batsmen have enjoyed these conditions and big scores have been made at this venue.; Fast bowlers need overcast conditions to do well as the wicket has little for them on offer. The surface does offer good turn and spinners have performed well here in the past.

Toss: To Bat

In most afternoon games we have seen sides preferring to bat first. The wicket would be the best for batting in the first half and the chasing scores here in the evening is a challenge. The side winning the toss would have little hesitation in opting to bat first in the game.