KAN vs JAF Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? LPL 2020, Match 16

Kandy Tuskers held on to the fourth spot in the points table for quite a while in the inaugural Lanka Premier League. However, Galle Gladiators’ victory over Colombo Kings pushed the Tuskers down to the bottom of the points.

Moreover, the fact they registered the lowest score of 105 in the LPL won’t be keeping them in good stead. The Tuskers will next be facing the Jaffna Stallions on Wednesday. In their previous meeting, the Stallions beat them by 54 runs at the Mahinda Rajapaksha Stadium in Hambantota.

The Stallions, led by Thisara Perera, on the other hand, haven’t seen the face of victory for the last two matches, yet they are at the top of the table.

Their only defeat came against the Kings. The Stallions have already made their way to the semis and they would want to continue their dominance.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Hambantota has been an absolute belter for batting. Bowlers haven’t had much in it for them thus far in the tournament. Since it’s a day game, teams may opt to bat first and then exert pressure on the opposition in the second half.

There will be six per cent chance of rain during game-time. The temperature will be around 30 degrees Celsius with the humidity mostly in the high-50s.

Playing Combinations for KAN vs JAF

Kandy Tuskers

Probable XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Perera (C and WK), Kusal Mendis, Brendan Taylor, Asela Gunaratne, Irfan Pathan, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Dilruwan Perera, Munaf Patel, Lasith Embuldeniya

Bench–, Nishan Madushanka, Priyamal Perera, Dale Steyn, Lahiru Samarakoon, Chamika Edirisinghe, Kevin Koththigoda, Ishan Jayaratne, Kaveeshka Anjula, Seekkuge Prasanna, Kamindu Mendis, Naveen-ul-Haq

Jaffna Stallions

Probable XI

Avishka Fernando, Shoaib Malik, Tom Moores (WK), Minod Bhanuka, Thisara Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chaturanga de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kyle Abbott, Binura Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

Bench– Nuwaindu Fernando, Theivendiram Dinoshan, Maheesh Theekshana, Kanagarathinam Kabilraj, Prabath Jayasuriya, Charith Asalanka, Suranga Lakmal, Usman Shinwari, Duanne Olivier

Probable Top Performers for KAN vs JAF

Kusal Perera– Kandy Tuskers

Kusal Perera hasn’t had the best of tournaments with the bat in hand. The left-hander has given sparks of brilliance but hasn’t been able to make full utilisation of his potential.

In six matches, the southpaw has scored 167 runs at an average and strike-rate of 27.83 and 139.16 respectively. Barring his top score of 87, in the other five matches, Perera has scored only 80 runs at 16.

Avishka Fernando– Jaffna Stallions 

Avishka Fernando has come up the ranks in Sri Lankan cricket over the last couple of years or so. He is known for his attacking batting in the first six overs when the fielding restrictions are on.

However, in the LPL, he has shown a great deal of maturity and has notched 209 runs at an average and strike-rate of 52.25 and 136.50 respectively. He has been a key performer for the Stallions.

Average first innings score: 183 (14 completed matches in LPL 2020)

Record of chasing teams: Won- 6 | Lost- 7 |Tie- 1

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 03:30 PM local time, 03:30 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.