Lanka Premier League 2021: Qualifier 1, Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gladiators, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

With a place in the final clash at stakes, Jaffna Kings will lock horns with Galle Gladiators in the Qualifier 1 clash of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2021. The encounter takes place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The Kings have been sensational in the competition so far and topped the group stage, having won eight of their six matches in the league stage.

On the other hand, Galle Gladiators blew hot and cold in the competition as they won just four of their eight games in the competition. One of their matches got washed out due to rain. However, they still managed to finish at the second position. Notably, the Gladiators defeated the Kings twice in the league stage.

Match Details

Match – Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gladiators – Qualifier 1

Venue – Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota

Date and Time – 19 December, 08:30 PM IST

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

It will be the first match taking place at this venue and hence, the track would be pretty fresh and nice to bat on. However, the Hambantota track has traditionally not been high-scoring as the spinners get a lot of help from the surface.

Average score: 130 (in seven T20Is so far)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 5, N/R – 0

Probable Playing XIs

Jaffna Kings

Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Avishka Fernando, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Shoaib Malik, Ashen Bandara, Thisara Perera (c), Chaturanga de Silva, Wahab Riaz, Suranga Lakmal, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Praveen Jayawickrama

Galle Gladiators

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Sahan Arachchige, Samit Patel, Isuru Udana, Noor Ahmad, Pulina Tharanga, Mohammad Amir, Pramod Madushan

Head-to-Head

Played – 2 | Jaffna Kings – 0 | Galle Gladiators – 2 | N/R – 0

Probable best batter of the match

Tom Kohler-Cadmore – Jaffna Kings

The uncapped England batter has been on a roll in this competition and has been instrumental to Jaffna Kings’ stellar run. In eight matches, the right-handed batter slammed 220 runs with his highest score being 92. With the Hambantota track being fresh, Cadmore can be backed to pack a punch.

Samit Patel – Galle Gladiators

Left-arm spinner Samit Patel is likely to top the bowling charts in this clash as he has made the ball talk in this competition so far. The veteran bowler is the highest wicket-taker of the competition so far with 15 scalps in eight games. Moreover, his economy rate is less than five.

Today’s match prediction: Galle Gladiators to win the game.

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.