Niroshan Dickwella’s team faced a 25-run defeat against the Dambulla Sixers in their last game, falling short in chasing a modest total and getting bowled out for 135 runs. Despite their generally strong performance in the series, they will be looking to bounce back and reclaim the top spot on the points table.
The team boasts a strong opening pair in Alex Hales and Niroshan Dickwella, making a good start from them crucial. The middle order, which faltered in the previous game, needs to step up with Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Tim Seifert, and Janith Liyanage expected to deliver solid performances. Sahan Arachchige, Dwaine Pretorius, and Isuru Udana, known for their hitting capabilities, will also look to contribute significantly.
Facing a formidable batting lineup, the bowling unit needs to be on point. Early wickets from Dwaine Pretorius and Isuru Udana will be vital. Maheesh Theekshana and Zahoor Khan will aim to keep things tight in the middle overs, while Kavindu Nadeeshan and Janith Liyanage will play crucial roles with the ball.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s team will be riding high on confidence after a spectacular run chase against the Jaffna Kings, where they successfully chased down 230 runs to win by 7 wickets with 10 balls to spare. While proud of his batsmen, Hasaranga will be looking for an improved performance from his bowlers, who struggled in the previous game.
Dinesh Chandimal provided an explosive start in the last match, and he will aim to replicate that performance while opening with Andre Fletcher. The middle order, consisting of Mohammad Haris, Kamindu Mendis, and Angelo Matthews, performed well, and the team will expect more of the same. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka add significant firepower to the batting lineup with their big-hitting abilities.
On the bowling front, Dasun Shanaka and Shoriful Islam will need to tighten up after conceding too many runs with the new ball in the last game. Dushmantha Chameera and Hasaranga, being the most experienced bowlers, must deliver tight spells in the middle overs. Ramesh Mendis and Kamindu Mendis, who have struggled in their support roles, will need to step up their game.
