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Jaffna Kings and Kandy Falcons are set to battle it out for the right to join Galle Marvels in the Lanka Premier League final this coming Sunday on the same ground.
DATE & TIME: Saturday 20th 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 / Sunday 21st July 2024: Australia – 12:00am
VENUE: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
WEATHER: Dry with sunny intervals and temperatures at a high of 29c.
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
JAFFNA KINGS FORM: KINGS’ CAMPAIGN IN DANGER OF IMPLOSION AT WORST TIME
Although Jaffna Kings’ last win came against this very opposition, they have since suffered back-to-back defeats, the latter coming in the first qualifier against Galle Marvels, meaning they now only have one more chance to secure a place in the final.
LAST THREE: LLW
KANDY FALCONS FORM: THRILLING TWO-WICKET WIN SEES KANDY ARRIVE WITH MOMENTUM
After making it through to the play-offs and the eliminator, Kandy Falcons held their nerve to overcome home team Colombo Strikers by two wickets, keeping their tournament alive and giving themselves a shot at reaching the final, although Jaffna represents stronger opposition.
LAST THREE: WWL
JAFFNA KINGS BETTING ANALYSIS
Aviska Fernando has been one of the top run-scorers across the Lanka Premier League so far and he emphasised that fact with 52 in the first qualifier, albeit in a losing effort. Sri Lankan international Fernando is crucial to Jaffna’s chances here and should be back to score 20+ runs on this occasion with a stake on him to finish as the Kings’ top batter also worthy of consideration.
The last game between these two sides saw an impressive cameo from Charith Asalanka, who blasted 26 from just 9 balls, laying into the Kandy bowlers. His ability to clear the rope has to be noted and opens up the prospect of value in backing Asalanka to hit over 0.5 match sixes, should the market be made available.
KANDY FALCONS BETTING ANALYSIS
Kamindu Mendis shone against the Strikers in the eliminator, striking a vital 54 from 36 balls and showed a high level of class throughout. Getting runs in such an important game will have been a huge confidence booster for Mendis and bettors could consider trying to capitalise on this by investing in the 25-year-old to score another 20+ runs here.
Pakistan pace-bowler Mohammad Hasnain was also a key factor in his side’s progression through to the second qualifier, picking up figures of 3/24 with the ball. Across the tournament though, it’s been Wanindu Hasaranga who has shone with 12 wickets coming courtesy of his leg-spin. Stakes on both to finish as Kandy’s top bowler vs the Kings may prove the sensible move.
JAFFNA KINGS VS KANDY FALCONS EXPERT PREDICTION
You cannot underestimate the power of momentum when it comes to T20 franchise cricket in a tournament of this format. Having come through an eliminator, Kandy Falcons are riding the crest of a wave, but what do they have left in the tank? That win over Colombo may have taken a significant amount out of them, whilst Jaffna know what they need to do to improve.
The batting of Jaffna Kings is strong, whether they progress now is down to their bowlers. If they can improve their potency and effect a level of control against the Kandy Falcons’ batters, then they should be able to manage this contest effectively. Therefore, back Jaffna Kings to get the job done at the second time of asking and book a rematch with Galle Marvels.
JAFFNA KINGS VS KANDY FALCONS TOP TIP: JAFFNA KINGS TO WIN