Galle Gladiators and Kandy Falcons rub shoulders with each other in Match 4 of the third edition of the Lanka Premier League on Wednesday, November 07, 2022, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The Gladiators faced defeat against Jaffna Kings by 24 runs in the opening match of the competition while the Falcons recorded a massive win by 109 runs against Colombo Stars courtesy of Andre Fletcher’s unbeaten century.
Galle have suffered disappointment in both the previous editions of the league as they ended up runners-up each time against the Kings in 2020 and 2021. Two years back Jaffna beat the Gladiators by 53 runs in the summit clash while the margin got reduced to 23 runs in the 2021 edition. On the other hand, Kandy has been the most inconsistent side in the league as they finished at the bottom of the table in both seasons.
The Gladiators will be captained by Kusal Mendis as his side consists of some players quality Pakistani players like Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, and Imad Wasim. The team also includes the destructive Lankan wicketkeeper batter Kusal Perera. The Falcons, fresh from a big victory the earlier day, have centurion from the first game Fletcher, hat-trick hero in that match Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, and Carlos Brathwaite.
Matches played |
Galle Gladiators |
Kandy Falcons |
No Result |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
Both sides last met in Match 10 of the second edition of the league in 2021 and it was Falcons who emerged victorious on that occasion. Galle batted first and posted just 127/7 on the board in their allotted 20 overs. Kamindu Mendis was the pick of the Falcon bowlers as he delivered a spell of 3/25 in four overs. In reply, T20 veteran Ravi Bopara remained unbeaten on 34 to guide his side to the target in 18.4 overs and win the clash by five wickets.
Date |
Winner |
Margin |
Venue |
11 Dec 2021 |
Kandy Falcons |
5 Wickets |
Colombo (RPS) |
07 Dec 2021 |
Galle Gladiators |
4 Wickets |
Colombo (RPS) |
10 Dec 2020 |
Galle Gladiators |
9 Wickets |
Hambantota |
30 Nov 2020 |
Kandy Falcons |
25 Runs |
Hambantota |