Jaffna Kings won the LPL last season [Twitter]
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 is all set to kick off with a high-octane clash between the reigning champions, Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers on Sunday, July 30 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
JK vs CS: Team Previews
Jaffna Kings
Jaffna Kings, the current LPL champions, will be captained by the experienced Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera. The squad boasts an impressive combination of foreign and local talent, including international stars such as David Miller, Chris Lynn, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Shoaib Malik.
The team is also strengthened by prominent Sri Lankan players like Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, and Asitha Fernando. With a formidable line-up, the Kings will be aiming to kick off their LPL 2023 campaign with a triumphant start.
Colombo Strikers
On the other hand, Colombo Strikers will be led by Niroshan Dickwella. After finishing as runner-ups in the previous season, the Strikers will be eager to avenge their defeat.
The squad features a strong Pakistani presence with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Wahab Riaz in the ranks, complemented by local talents like Matheesha Pathirana, Chamika Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, and Ramesh Mendis.
Match Details
| Date | July 30 |
|---|---|
| Time | 7: 30 PM IST |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Live Streaming & Broadcast | FanCode & Star Sports Network |
Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium is known for assisting bowlers. Pacers will get help with the new ball. The average score at this venue stands at 139. Since this is the opening match, and the majority of the games are slated to be played here, the team winning the toss is likely to opt to field first which would allow them to analyze the pitch's behaviour, especially considering the track record at the venue that indicate a preference for chasing.
Probable XIs
Jaffna Kings: Thisara Perera (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Charith Asalanka, Shoaib Malik, Asela Gunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dilshan Madushanka, Zaman Khan, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara
Colombo Strikers: Niroshan Dickwella (c & wk), Babar Azam, Pathum Nissanka, Lorcan Tucker, Angelo Perera, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohammad Nawaz, Ramesh Mendis, Naseem Shah, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Niroshan Dickwella, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Babar Azam, Chris Lynn, Shoaib Malik, Lorcan Tucker
All-Rounders: Thisara Perera, Chamika Karunaratne
Bowlers: Naseem Shah, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Captain: Babar Azam
Vice-Captain: Maheesh Theekshana
Prediction
Colombo Strikers’ squad looks well-balanced and strong on paper which makes them the favourites to win the LPL 2023 opener.
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