• Match: Colombo Strikers vs Jaffna Kings, 13th Match, Lanka Premier League 2024
• Date and Time: July 10,  09:30 am GMT / 03:30 pm BST / 03:00 pm local time
• Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

Colombo Strikers’ season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. They began with a strong 51-run victory over Kandy Falcons but then stumbled against Galle Marvels. After securing another win against Kandy Falcons, they faced a setback, losing to Dambulla Sixers by eight wickets.

The batting lineup for Colombo has demonstrated resilience, with Glenn Phillips leading the charge. He has amassed 148 runs in 4 matches, boasting an impressive average of 37 and a strike rate nearing 150. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also been impactful, scoring over 100 runs at a blistering strike rate of 156.92. Angelo Perera and Chamika Karunaratne have added depth to their batting prowess with strike rates of 158 and 208, respectively.

On the bowling front, Matheesha Pathirana has been a key wicket-taker, securing 5 dismissals in 4 matches, although with a slightly high economy rate of 9.97. The standout performer has been leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who has claimed 9 wickets at an economy of 6.86. His bowling has been crucial for the team, and there is optimism about his potential contributions with the bat as well.

Meanwhile, Jaffna Kings, after three consecutive wins, faced their second defeat against Kandy Falcons despite posting a formidable 224-7, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s remarkable 119 off 59 balls. Nissanka has been outstanding this season, leading Jaffna’s batting charts with 297 runs in 5 innings at an average of nearly 60 and a striking rate of 170.68.

Avishka Fernando has also been consistent, accumulating 226 runs at an average of 45.20 and an impressive strike rate of 173. Rilee Rossouw’s recent form, evidenced by his quickfire 41 off 18 balls, adds further strength to the Kings’ batting lineup.

In bowling, Tabraiz Shamsi has been effective with 4 wickets in 2 matches, despite conceding runs at 9 per over. Asitha Fernando and Fabian Allen have also contributed with 4 wickets each in their 4 outings, showcasing a balanced effort from Jaffna’s bowling unit.

Colombo Strikers: Thisara Perera (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shevon Daniel, Muhammad Waseem, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Glenn Phillips, Shadab Khan, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana.

Jaffna Kings: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Avishka Fernando, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fabian Allen, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Who will win the toss? – Colombo Strikers
Who will win the match? – Jaffna Kings

Captain: Azmatullah Omarzai
Vice-Captain: Pathum Nissanka

Kusal Mendis, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Glenn Phillips, Shadab Khan, Bowlers: Matheesha Pathirana, Tabraiz Shamsi, Taskin Ahmed.

This pitch typically improves for batting under lights. In the current season at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, three out of five matches have been won by the chasing team. Therefore, both teams are likely to prefer fielding first in this match.

At Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the average first innings score typically hovers around 180 runs. This season, the highest total was set by the Kandy Falcons, who scored 228-3 while successfully chasing a target of 225 against the Jaffna Kings. In this match, the team batting first will aim to set a competitive score of at least 190 runs to effectively challenge their opponents.

The weather in Dambulla is expected to be breezy with intermittent clouds. There is a chance of showers in the afternoon; however, conditions should still allow for a complete game to be played.

• Stadium: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
• City: Dambulla
• Capacity: 16, 800
• Ends: Press Box End, Scoreboard End
• Hosts to: Sri Lanka