Wanindu Hasaranga will be in action for Kandy. (Twitter)
Following a gripping display of 20 matches in the group stage of the fourth edition of Lanka Premier League (LPL 2023), the competition has reached its pivotal phase. The playoff round welcomes the top four teams, excluding the Colombo Strikers, in their quest for championship glory.
Scheduled for August 17, Thursday, the inaugural knockout match of the competition is the Eliminator. The contest features B-Love Kandy against the Jaffna Kings at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium.
After a recent defeat to Dambulla Aura, B-Love Kandy seeks a rebound. Conversely, the Jaffna Kings experienced a batting struggle in their previous match against the Galle Titans, leading to a significant defeat.
BLK vs JK: Team Previews
B-Love Kandy
In the LPL 2023 points table, B-Love Kandy occupy the 3rd position, securing 8 points from 4 wins and 4 losses in their 8 league matches.
Hasaranga stands as the leading run-scorer for the team, amassing 212 runs, including 8 sixes and 26 fours, at an impressive strike rate of 200.
Fakhar Zaman has contributed 156 runs at a strike rate of 115. In the bowling department, Kandy's skipper has shone bright as the team's top performer, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 15.
Jaffna Kings
On the other hand, Jaffna Kings occupy the 4th position, accumulating 6 points from 3 wins and 5 losses in their 8 league matches.
Leading the batting chart for Jaffna Kings is Towhid Hridoy, who has gathered 155 runs at a strike rate of 135, encompassing 5 sixes and 14 fours.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also contributed 132 runs at a strike rate of 128. Dunith Wellalage emerges as the standout bowler for Jaffna Kings, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 15 and an economy rate of 7.19.
BLK vs JK: Match Details
| Date & Time | August 17, 07:30 PM IST |
|---|---|
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Live Streaming and Broadcast | Sony Ten 5, Sony LIV App & FanCode |
BLK vs JK: R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The Colombo-based R. Premadasa Stadium is a batting friendly wicket. Historically, substantial totals have been achieved at this location, and we anticipate a similar trend. The pitch isn't particularly favorable for fast bowlers, who tend to concede runs. In contrast, spinners thrive due to the pitch's advantageous spin and bounce characteristics.
BLK vs JK: Probable 11
B-Love Kandy: Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Ashen Bandara, Asif Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Chaturanga de Silva, Isuru Udana, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nuwan Pradeep
Jaffna Kings: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nishan Madushka (wk), Chris Lynn, Asela Gunaratne, Shoaib Malik, David Miller, Thisara Perera (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara
BLK vs JK: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
| Wicketkeepers | Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Dinesh Chandimal, Mohammad Haris |
| Batters | Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik |
| All-Rounders | Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Thisara Perera |
| Bowlers | Maheesh Theekshana, Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
| Captain | Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Vice Captain | Dunith Wellalage |
BLK vs JK: Winner Prediction
Anticipating a closely-fought match under high pressure, the B-Love Kandy team holds a slight advantage in terms of composition. Consequently, we favor them to overcome the defending champions.
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