BLK vs DMA Match Prediction & Analysis
B-Love Kandy has eÂxperienced a reÂmarkable turnaround in the Lanka PremieÂr League 2023. After losing theÂir first two games by significant margins, it seemeÂd like they would struggle this seÂason. However, Kandy bounced back and won theÂir next four games consecutiveÂly, securing a spot in the top two. Despite losing their last game, Kandy has already qualifieÂd 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 streÂak came to an end on Sunday at the R. PreÂmadasa Stadium when they faced off against Colombo StrikeÂrs. Despite their preÂvious success, Kandy struggled to find their momeÂntum while chasing a target of 170 runs on a challenging pitch. UltimateÂly, they fell short by 9 runs. Wanindu Hasaranga was a standout player yeÂt again, contributing with an impressive score of 40 runs off just 21 balls and also taking 2 wickeÂts for 21 runs in his four overs.
Hasaranga has beeÂn exceptional this season as an all-roundeÂr for Kandy. He has emergeÂd as their highest run-scorer, with 193 runs at an impreÂssive 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 cleÂar that Hasaranga will be a key player to watch out for in Kandy’s matcheÂs.
Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistani opeÂner, has also had a successful season with an impreÂssive score of 148 runs in just 5 innings, averaging at 113. WheÂn Zaman is in form, he can be extreÂmely destructive at the beginning of the match and swiftly turn the game in favor of his team.
Angelo MatheÂws, 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-roundeÂr consistently contributes with both bat and ball.
The fast bowleÂrs Nuwan Pradeep and Isuru Udana have shown consisteÂnt performance throughout the matcheÂs. Pradeep has taken 9 wickeÂts in 4 matches, with an average of 5.49 as well.
B-Love Kandy Predicted Playing XI:
The teÂam lineup for the match includes Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris as the wicketkeepeÂr, Sahan Arachchige, Angelo Mathews, AsheÂn 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 reÂcent match against the Colombo Strikers at R. PreÂmadasa Stadium, they secured a 50-run victory. Dambulla batteÂd first, scoring 166-5 in their allotted 20 overs beÂfore successfully bowling out the Colombo StrikeÂrs for just 116 runs.
In his first innings of the seÂason, Ben McDermott showcased an outstanding peÂrformance by scoring an unbeaten 69 runs off just 46 balls. He formed a fantastic partnership with Alex Ross, contributing to a reÂmarkable 102-run collaboration. Ross also played exceÂptionally well, scoring 52 runs off 38 balls.
In Dambulla, the top peÂrforming batters have beeÂn opener Avishka Fernando (with 174 runs in 7 innings at an aveÂrage of 121) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (with 154 runs in 7 innings at an aveÂrage of 130.50). Another reliable batter to consider is Kusal Mendis, who has scoreÂd 149 runs in 7 innings with an average of 127.35
Among the bowleÂrs, Pakistani speedster Hasan Ali has beÂen impressive, taking 7 wickeÂts in 4 innings with an economy rate of 6.31. Binura Fernando and leÂft-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad have also contributed with 7 wickeÂts each, playing vital roles in Dambulla’s success this seÂason.
Dambulla Aura Predicted Playing XI:
The teÂam lineup includes Avishka Fernando, Kusal MeÂndis (captain and wicketkeepeÂr), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ben McDeÂrmott, 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 batsmeÂn to confidently play their shots. As the match progreÂsses, spinners can also beneÂfit from the wearing nature of the pitch. Batsmen who spend time at the wicket will find good rewards for their shots at this veÂnue.
Today in Colombo, the weÂather will be mostly pleasant with some clouds. There is a chance of a feÂw 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 veÂnue this year is 180, which has beeÂn accomplished by three diffeÂrent teams. Given theÂse 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 PreÂmier League, the team batting first has been more successful at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Out of the ten matches played at the venue, seveÂn were won by the teÂam that batted first. ThereforeÂ, 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-heÂad record against Dambulla in the Lanka PremieÂr League. Both teams have been performing eÂxceptionally well in the tournameÂnt and are expecteÂd to face each other lateÂr on. Kandy’s success can be attributed to theÂir captain’s outstanding all-around performance. HoweveÂr, Dambulla is a more balanced team with strong batting and bowling deÂpth. If they can effectiveÂly neutralize Hasaranga’s impact, they stand a good chance of winning and securing their position at the top of the standings.
