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The Dambulla Sixers are looking to pull off their first victory of the competition after what has been a disappointing start to the 2024 Lanka Premier League season in which they have suffered back-to-back defeats, including one to their upcoming opponents.
DATE & TIME: Saturday 6th July, 2024: USA ET – 7:00am / USA PT – 10:00am / UK – 3:00pm / South Africa – 4:00pm / Pakistan - 7:00pm / India – 7:30pm / Sri Lanka – 7:30pm / Bangladesh – 8:00pm / Sunday 7th July, 2024 - Australia – 12:00am
VENUE: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
WEATHER: 27c or 80.6 F with clear skies
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: USA – Not Televised / West Indies – Not Televised / UK – Not Televised / South Africa – Not Televised / Pakistan – Star Sports / India – Star Sports / Bangladesh – Star Sports / Australia – Not Televised / Sri Lanka – Star Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: USA – Not Available / West Indies – Not Available / UK – Not Available / South Africa – Not Available / Pakistan – Tapmad / India – Fancode / Bangladesh – Not Available / Australia – Kayo Sports / Sri Lanka – Dialog TV
DAMBULLA SIXERS FORM: DISAPPOINTING DAMBULLA
The Dambulla Sixers’ opening game of the tournament saw them post what appeared to be a competitive total of 179-4 in their 20 overs but the defending champions the Kandy Falcons chased it down in just 17.2 overs. After that they then suffered a four-wicket loss to the Jaffna Kings off the final ball of the match.
LAST THREE: LLL
JAFFNA KINGS FORM: BACK-TO-BACK THRILLERS
The Jaffna Kings began their tournament with a final ball defeat to the Galle Marvels in match four of the 2024 Lanka Premier League but they now come into this on the back of back-to-back victories which also came in dramatic fashion; defeating Dambulla off the final ball and then chasing 188 against Galle with just two balls remaining.
LAST THREE: WWL
DAMBULLA SIXERS BETTING ANALYSIS
A theme of the Sixers’ tournament so far would be a low run rate. For example, their 179 posted against Kandy was chased in 17.2 overs and they then reached 191 against Jaffna losing just two wickets with only Kusal Perera, who scored an unbeaten century, scoring at a higher strike rate than 114.29. Given that, and their general form, backing Perera to once again be their best bat seems a good bet.
With the ball, the Sixers relied on pace to hurt the Kings with a fairly weak spin bowling attack. The onus will once again be on Nuwan Thushara and Mustafizur Rahman and both took two wickets against Jaffna the other day. Rahman was the better and more potent of the pair, though, so him being their best bowler once again is also a good bet.
JAFFNA KINGS BETTING ANALYSIS
Following the form guides is often a misnomer in T20 cricket due to the natural volatility of the format, though, so there will be a case to back one of Rilee Rossouw or Kusal Mendis to be the Kings’ top scorers after both endured poor opening matches but then flexed their muscles against Galle in their victory the other day with Mendis scoring 30 from 16 and Rossouw hitting a 42-ball 67.
In the bowling department, Fabian Allen has been their most potent spinner but the West Indian went for over 40 runs against Galle the other day. It will be worthwhile backing him to come back firing, especially given the fact the Sixers’ wickets lost so far in this tournament only amount to six but both that fell against Jaffna came against spin.
DAMBULLA SIXERS VS JAFFNA KINGS EXPERT PREDICTION
This is a tough one to call in terms of an actual match result because Dambulla Sixers’ top order has been steady and difficult to dismiss but only Kusal Perera has shown any real intent and fluency. Jaffna Kings, on the other hand, have been symptomatic of T20 as a format and the randomness of the game itself with three extremely tight finishes. As a result, going with the Fabian Allen tip may be the safest and best bet.
DAMBULLA SIXERS VS JAFFNA KINGS TOP TIP: FABIAN ALLEN TO TAKE TWO OR MORE WICKETS FOR THE JAFFNA KINGS