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Kandy Falcons snuck into the play-offs via net-run-rate, but third-placed Colombo Strikers will be looking to progress through to the second qualifier, eliminating the Falcons in the process.
DATE & TIME: Thursday 18th 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 / Friday 19th July, 2024: Australia – 12:00am
VENUE: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
WEATHER: A chance of thundery showers, with temperatures remaining hot at 28c.
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: HOME ADVANTAGE COULD BE CRITICAL FOR STRIKERS
Colombo Strikers would’ve avoided the eliminator completed had they won their final league fixture against Dambulla Sixers, but alas, a 28-run defeat sets up this meeting with Kandy Falcons instead with the loser being eliminated from tournament contention.
LAST THREE: LWW
KANDY FALCONS FORM: DAMBULLA THRASHING SEALS KANDY’S POST-SEASON PLACE
Kandy Falcons are the only team of the four who have qualified for the play-offs that enter them having won their last game. A resounding 54-run triumph over Dambulla Sixers ensured their qualification thanks to the huge boost it gave to their net-run-rate.
LAST THREE: WLL
COLOMBO STRIKERS BETTING ANALYSIS
We’ve touched on Shadab Khan and the effect he’s had on this Colombo Strikers side. His 16 wickets has been a total unmatched across the tournament so far and such quality spin-bowling could wind up crucial again here. With that in mind, explore any bowling market available which offers value when it comes to backing Shadab.
In a big play-off match, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz could be the man to step up for Colombo, especially when taking into account his T20 pedigree. After being dismissed for 0 in the Strikers’ last game, Gurbaz will want to respond strongly and when considering the Afghanistan star’s quality, backing him to finish as Colombo’s top batter could prove a smart move.
KANDY FALCONS BETTING ANALYSIS
Kandy Falcons boast some dangerous players, especially from a domestic perspective. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is one such example when considering the threat that he offers with bat and ball. Individual markets involving Hasaranga may offer value, as it may with Dasun Shanaka, who has impressed with the ball, matching Hasaranga’s total of 12 wickets.
However, the worry for Kandy will be the threat that Colombo pose with the ball in the powerplay, which could see them lose early wickets in their bid to start aggressively and put fast runs on the board. As a result, it’s worth potentially backing Colombo to record the higher opening partnership on this occasion.
COLOMBO STRIKERS VS KANDY FALCONS EXPERT PREDICTION
So often you see a team who sneaks into the play-offs in the last minute, go on and make waves in the play-offs and this alone makes Kandy Falcons dangerous opposition for Colombo Strikers, despite them having already beaten the Falcons twice across the league stage. That ultimately means very little in knockout T20 cricket.
However, home advantage can mean a lot and Colombo will have that in their favour. Their bowlers have stood out across the tournament and this makes them the team worth backing to move on into the second qualifier at the expense of Kandy.
COLOMBO STRIKERS VS KANDY FALCONS TOP TIP: COLOMBO STRIKERS TO WIN