DAM vs JAF Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? LPL 2020, Semi-final 2

Jaffna Stallions’ campaign in the 2020 Lanka Premier League has been a tale of two halves. The team, led by Thisara Perera, started with four victories on the trot, helping them become the first team to qualify for the semis.

However, in their last four matches, they haven’t seen the face of a victory, losing three games while their game against Dambulla Viiking was called off due to rain. In fact, the Viiking was the only team to whom the Stallions didn’t lose in the league stage.

Going into the second semi-final on Monday, the Stallions can take heart from that and cease their losing streak. The Viiking, on the other hand, lost only two of their games in the first round and finished second on the table with 11 points. The Viiking lost their last match to Colombo Kings on Friday.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Hambantota has been an excellent one for batting. Run-making hasn’t been tough and it can be comprehended from the average first innings score.

Though the chasing team won in the first semi-final, sides would be better off setting a target and then exert pressure on the opposition. The conditions will be cloudy with no chances of rain. The temperature will be around 27 degrees Celsius.

Playing Combinations for DAM vs JAF

Dambulla Viiking

Probable XI

Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dasun Shanaka (C), Samit Patel, Angelo Perera, Samiullah Shinwari, Ramesh Mendis, Anwar Ali, Pulina Tharanga, Malinda Pushpakumara, Kasun Rajitha,

Bench– Kavindu Nadeeshan, Ashen Bandara, Dilshan Madushanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Madushanka, Aftab Alam, Lahiru Kumara, Paul Stirling, Sachindu Colombage

Jaffna Stallions

Probable XI

Johnson Charles (WK), Tom Moores, Charith Asalanka, Shoaib Malik, Chaturanga de Silva, Thisara Perera (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Suranga Lakmal, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Duanne Olivier

Bench– Nuwanidu Fernando, Theivendiram Dinoshan, Minod Bhanuka, Usman Shinwari, Vijaykanth Viyaskanth, Kyle Abbott, Prabath Jayasuriya

Probable Top Performers for GAL vs DAM

Niroshan Dickwella– Dambulla Viiking

Niroshan Dickwella was getting a lot of 20s in the first half of the tournament. But the 65 he made against Galle Gladiators gave him a whole lot of confidence. He has given the Viiking plenty of brisk starts.

In eight matches, the left-hander has scored 241 runs at an average and strike-rate of 34.42 and 146.95 respectively. In the must-win crunch game, Dickwella would be hoping for another decent knock.

Wanindu Hasaranga– Jaffna Stallions

Wanindu Hasaranga has played a crucial role for the Stallions in the tournament. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for his team with 13 wickets to show for his efforts. He also has the best economy rate- 5.48- among the other bowlers in his team.

With the bat, he has been more than handy lower down the order, scoring 112 runs at a strike-rate of 183.60 with a top score of 41.

Average first innings score: 177 (21 completed matches in LPL 2020)

Record of chasing teams: Won- 12 | 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 Jaffna Stallions 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.