BLK vs DMA Match Prediction & Analysis
B-Love Kandy has experienced a remarkable turnaround in the Lanka Premier League 2023. After losing their first two games by significant margins, it seemed like they would struggle this season. However, Kandy bounced back and won their next four games consecutively, securing a spot in the top two. Despite losing their last game, Kandy has already qualified for the playoffs and currently holds the 2nd place position. To maintain that position, they must win their final league game against Dambulla Aura tonight. However, this won’t be an easy task as Dambulla is currently leading the table and considered the team to beat this year.
TEAMS PREVIEW
B-Love Kandy Preview
B-Love Kandy‘s winning streak came to an end on Sunday at the R. Premadasa Stadium when they faced off against Colombo Strikers. Despite their previous success, Kandy struggled to find their momentum while chasing a target of 170 runs on a challenging pitch. Ultimately, they fell short by 9 runs. Wanindu Hasaranga was a standout player yet again, contributing with an impressive score of 40 runs off just 21 balls and also taking 2 wickets for 21 runs in his four overs.
Hasaranga has been exceptional this season as an all-rounder for Kandy. He has emerged as their highest run-scorer, with 193 runs at an impressive strike rate of 203. Additionally, he has also taken the most wickets for the team, with 10 dismissals at an economy rate of 5.49. It is clear that Hasaranga will be a key player to watch out for in Kandy’s matches.
Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistani opener, has also had a successful season with an impressive score of 148 runs in just 5 innings, averaging at 113. When Zaman is in form, he can be extremely destructive at the beginning of the match and swiftly turn the game in favor of his team.
Angelo Mathews, with 128 runs and 7 wickets, proves once again why he remains a dependable cricketer. While he may not be dominating the game, this all-rounder consistently contributes with both bat and ball.
The fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Isuru Udana have shown consistent performance throughout the matches. Pradeep has taken 9 wickets in 4 matches, with an average of 5.49 as well.
B-Love Kandy Predicted Playing XI:
The team lineup for the match includes Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris as the wicketkeeper, Sahan Arachchige, Angelo Mathews, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Isuru Udana, Mohammad Hasnain, Nuwan Pradeep, Asif Ali, Chaturanga de Silva.
Dambulla Aura Preview
Dambulla Aura has claimed the top spot on the table with an impressive four consecutive wins. In their most recent match against the Colombo Strikers at R. Premadasa Stadium, they secured a 50-run victory. Dambulla batted first, scoring 166-5 in their allotted 20 overs before successfully bowling out the Colombo Strikers for just 116 runs.
In his first innings of the season, Ben McDermott showcased an outstanding performance by scoring an unbeaten 69 runs off just 46 balls. He formed a fantastic partnership with Alex Ross, contributing to a remarkable 102-run collaboration. Ross also played exceptionally well, scoring 52 runs off 38 balls.
In Dambulla, the top performing batters have been opener Avishka Fernando (with 174 runs in 7 innings at an average of 121) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (with 154 runs in 7 innings at an average of 130.50). Another reliable batter to consider is Kusal Mendis, who has scored 149 runs in 7 innings with an average of 127.35
Among the bowlers, Pakistani speedster Hasan Ali has been impressive, taking 7 wickets in 4 innings with an economy rate of 6.31. Binura Fernando and left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad have also contributed with 7 wickets each, playing vital roles in Dambulla’s success this season.
Dambulla Aura Predicted Playing XI:
The team lineup includes Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ben McDermott, Alex Ross, Hasan Ali, Noor Ahmad, Binura Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Dushan Hemantha
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Weather Conditions
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium provides a favorable combination of pace and bounce. It offers a consistent surface with even bounce, which allows batsmen to confidently play their shots. As the match progresses, spinners can also benefit from the wearing nature of the pitch. Batsmen who spend time at the wicket will find good rewards for their shots at this venue.
Today in Colombo, the weather will be mostly pleasant with some clouds. There is a chance of a few showers throughout the day.
Venue Details
Teams batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium in the tournament have scored an average of 148 runs, while that number drops to 130 in the second innings. The highest total achieved at this venue this year is 180, which has been accomplished by three different teams. Given these statistics, it would be advisable for the team batting first in this particular game to aim for a target score of approximately 165 runs.
Toss: To Bat
In this season’s Lanka Premier League, the team batting first has been more successful at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Out of the ten matches played at the venue, seven were won by the team that batted first. Therefore, it is expected that in this match, the team winning the toss will choose to bat first.
Winning Prediction
Dambulla Aura as the winner of this match
Kandy has had a 4-3 head-to-head record against Dambulla in the Lanka Premier League. Both teams have been performing exceptionally well in the tournament and are expected to face each other later on. Kandy’s success can be attributed to their captain’s outstanding all-around performance. However, Dambulla is a more balanced team with strong batting and bowling depth. If they can effectively neutralize Hasaranga’s impact, they stand a good chance of winning and securing their position at the top of the standings.
