LPL 2024 Match 18, KFL vs DS | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview, Live Streaming

Kandy Falcons are at the bottom of the LPL 2024 points table

Kandy Falcons are gearing up for a crucial clash against Dambulla Sixers in Match 18 of the Lanka Premier League 2024 on Monday, July 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The last time these two sides came up against each other, the Falcons soared to a six-wicket victory. The Sixers will be eager to turn the tables, set to fight tooth and nail for redemption.

KFL vs DS: Team Previews

Kandy Falcons

Currently, Kandy Falcons find themselves at the tail end of the points table, with only two victories marred by five defeats across seven matches.

Their journey this season has been a roller coaster of performances—kicking off with an initial win followed by a string of three consecutive losses, a solitary win, and then two more setbacks.

Their latest match, a rain-shortened 7-over affair against the Jaffna Kings, saw them post a modest 78/5. Despite valiant knocks from Dinesh Chandimal and Mohammad Haris, other key batsmen like Andre Fletcher, Dasun Shanaka, and Angelo Mathews fell short of making significant contributions.

The bowlers, led by Mathews and captain Wanindu Hasaranga, both grabbing two wickets, battled hard but Jaffna chased down the total with seven balls to spare. The Falcons are now in dire straits, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Dambulla Sixers

Dambulla Sixers, not far ahead, occupy the second-last position on the table, having won two of their six games.

After a rocky start with three losses, they found their stride with back-to-back victories. Yet, their momentum was checked by a nail-biting Super Over defeat to the Galle Marvels.

A commendable bowling effort held Galle to 148/9, setting the stage for Reeza Hendricks to shine with a stellar 72 off 57 balls, supported by brisk innings from Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi.

However, a dramatic runout of Nabi on the final delivery pushed the match into a Super Over, where Dambulla's efforts fell short, leaving them to swallow a bitter pill of a fourth loss.

A victory in their upcoming match is crucial for them to cling on to any hope of advancing in the tournament.

KFL vs DS: R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium, known for its slow and dry surface, tends to favour spinners as the game wears on. While the pitch can be challenging, it generally offers good conditions for batting at the outset, improving further as the innings progress. With the prevailing trend of successful chases in the tournament, opting to field first could be key.

KFL vs DS: Match Details & Live Streaming

KFL vs DS: Probable Playing XIs

Kandy Falcons: Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Andre Fletcher, Mohammad Haris, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Dasun Shanaka, Ramesh Mendis, Shoriful Islam, Chamath Gomez, Mohammad Hasnain

Dambulla Sixers: Kusal Perera, Reeza Hendricks, Lahiru Udara (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Chapman, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Mohammad Nabi (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwan Pradeep.

KFL vs DS: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

KFL vs DS: Winner Prediction

Considering the overall team composition and their form in the tournament, Dambulla Sixers are the favourites to win this clash.

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