COL vs GAL Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? LPL 2020, Semi Final 1

After 20 jaw-dropping matches in the league stage, the 2020 edition of the Lanka Premier League is set for the semi-finals. In the first match on December 13, Colombo Kings and Galle Gladiators are set to lock horns at the Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium in Hambantota.

The Kings had a couple of poor outings, but six wins from eight matches meant that they finished on top of the points table. The Gladiators, on the other hand, lost five matches to start their campaign. However, two victories in their final three matches made sure that they edge the Kandy Tuskers out.

The fact that they beat the Tuskers by nine wickets would give them a whole lot of confidence. Bhanuka Rajapaksha and Co could also take heart from their eight-wicket win over Angelo Mathews’ Kings in the first round.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Hambantota has been a batsman’s paradise thus far. The first round was a witness to quite a few scores over the 200-run mark. The track in Sunday’s game isn’t expected to be much different by any means.

In a pressure game, teams should look to set a target and then put pressure on the opposition batting. There will be a 20 per cent chance of rain during game-time with quite a bit of cloud cover.

Playing Combinations for COL vs GAL

Colombo Kings

Probable XI

Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Laurie Evans, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Andre Russell, Ashan Priyanjan, Thikshila de Silva, Qais Ahmad, Angelo Mathews, Tharindu Kaushal, Dushmantha Chameera, Himesh Ramanayake

Bench– Kalana Perera, Navod Paranavithana, Lahiru Udara, Karim Sadiq, Tharindu Ratnayake, Manpreet Gony, Amila Aponso, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dhammika Prasad

Galle Gladiators

Probable XI

Danushka Gunathilaka, Chadwick Walton, Ahsan Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksha (C), Azam Khan (WK), Shehan Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Lakshan Sandakan, Mohammad Amir, Nuwan Thushara

Bench– Milinda Siriwardena, Waqas Maqsood, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Duvindu Tilakaratne, Chanaka Ruwansiri, Hazratullah Zazai, Sahan Arachchige

Probable Top Performers for COL vs GAL

Laurie Evans– Colombo Kings

Laurie Evans has had a stupendous campaign in the LPL 2020. He has played eight matches in which he has notched 289 runs at an average and strike-rate of 57.80 and 170 respectively.

The unbeaten 108 he smashed against the Dambulla Viiking in their Kings’ previous game would give him a lot of confidence. Colombo would be hoping for their premier batsman to again fire all guns blazing.

Danushka Gunathilaka– Galle Gladiators  

Danushka Gunathilaka has arguably been the standout batsman in the ongoing tournament. In eight matches, he has hammered a stunning 462 runs at an average and strike-rate of 77 and 144.82 respectively.

It’s primarily because of him that the Gladiators, somehow, made their way through to the semis. Having scored four half-centuries, he has to again step up and deliver for his team.

Average first innings score:  178 (20 completed matches in LPL 2020)

Record of chasing teams: Won- 11 | Lost- 8 |Tie- 1

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 07:00 PM local time, 07:00 PM IST

TV – Sony SIX

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

The prediction is for Colombo Kings to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.