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Entering into the final stages of the league phase of the 2024 Lanka Premier League, a strong and well rounded but out of form Colombo Strikers take on the current league leaders, the Jaffna Kings, in Colombo on Sunday.
DATE & TIME: Sunday 14th July, 2024: USA ET – 7:00am / USA PT – 10:00am / UK – 3:00pm / South Africa – 4:00pm / Pakistan – 7:00pm / India – 7:30pm / Sri Lanka – 7:30pm / Bangladesh – 8:00pm / Monday 15th July, 2024: Australia – 12:00am
VENUE: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
WEATHER: 28c or 28.4 F with clear skies
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: USA – Not Televised / West Indies – Not Televised / UK – Not Televised / South Africa – Not Televised / Pakistan – Star Sports / India – Star Sports / Bangladesh – Star Sports / Australia – Not Televised / Sri Lanka – Star Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: USA – Not Available / West Indies – Not Available / UK – Not Available / South Africa – Not Available / Pakistan – Tapmad / India – Fancode / Bangladesh – Not Available / Australia – Kayo Sports / Sri Lanka – Dialog TV
COLOMBO STRIKERS FORM: BACK-TO-BACK DEFEATS
The Colombo Strikers began their campaign with two wins in their opening three matches but they now come into this one on the back of back-to-back losses. Their most recent outing saw them lose by seven wickets to upcoming opponents Jaffna Kings after they had also been beaten by eight wickets against an improving Dambulla Sixers side.
LAST THREE: LLW
JAFFNA KINGS FORM: BACK-TO-BACK VICTORIES
Through seven matches, the Jaffna Kings, albeit having played more than anyone bar defending champions but rock-bottom Kandy Falcons, sit at the top-of-the-table. They started with a narrow final ball loss but have since enjoyed five victories in six matches and most recently defeated the aforementioned Falcons by four wickets in a reduced seven-overs aside clash.
LAST THREE: WWL
COLOMBO STRIKERS BETTING ANALYSIS
The Colombo Strikers have an impressive batting lineup on paper and started the tournament with some big scores but none of their players are in the top five leading run scorers in the LPL and there could do with being some consistency found. Rahmanullah Gurbaz found some form last time out with 27 runs coming off just 11 deliveries and the Afghan, who scored the most runs at the recent ICC T20 World Cup, would be a good bet to go big with a 30+ or even 50+ score here.
With the ball, the Strikers are reliant on their spin bowlers with both Dunith Wellalage and Shadab Khan consistently among the wickets. Given that Colombo is expected to take turn through this phase of the tournament, Khan to take two or more Jaffna wickets would seem a good bet.
JAFFNA KINGS BETTING ANALYSIS
The Jaffna Kings had a poor opening partnership against Colombo but that will surely be a bit of a one off with Pathum Nissanka in particular in generally excellent form. Rilee Rossouw scored 108 not out from 50 balls the other day but it is Nissanka that remains the safest bet to be the Kings’ top batter in the match.
In the bowling department, Azmatullah Omarzau and Asitha Fernando both took two wickets against Colombo but, as mentioned, it would appear that spin will be a bigger threat on the pitch so Fabian Allen, who went well with 1-26 off four overs, would seem a decent shout to take two or more wickets in the match.
COLOMBO STRIKERS VS JAFFNA KINGS EXPERT PREDICTION
This one may well end up being the final given the strength of both sides but there does appear to be a clear favourite. The form of the Jaffna Kings is extremely impressive and they seemingly have all bases covered with an explosive batting line-up that also goes quite deep, as well as an impressive variety of bowling options. It would seem a sensible and safe bet to suggest the Jaffna Kings once again come out on top in this one.
COLOMBO STRIKERS VS JAFFNA KINGS TOP TIP: JAFFNA KINGS TO WIN