2020 Lanka Premier League – Dambulla Viiking vs Galle Gladiators Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Dambulla Viiking vs Galle Gladiators taking place? Wednesday 9th December, 2020 – 14:30 (UK)
Where is Dambulla Viiking vs Galle Gladiators taking place? MRIC Stadium, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Where can I get tickets for Dambulla Viiking vs Galle Gladiators? No tickets are available as this tournament is taking place without spectators
What channel is Dambulla Viiking vs Galle Gladiators on? This match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Dambulla Viiking vs Galle Gladiators? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
DAMBULLA VIIKING
- Dambulla’s most recent outing was spoiled by rain as only seven overs of their innings was managed against Jaffna Stallions before the curtailment but they are assured of a semi-final spot.
- The Viiking’s made more changes to the top order of the batting line-up with Angelo Perera back at three, Samit Patel moving up to four and Sadeera Samarawickrama opening up the batting as they keep a fluid order depending on how the opening partnership fares.
- Niroshan Dickwella has been heavily relied upon for top order runs and he scored 28 not out from 21 balls prior to the end of the game on Monday against Jaffna so he remains in good touch.
GALLE GLADIATORS
- Galle pulled off the biggest shock of the tournament on Monday as they bowled out Colombo for 171 before ruthlessly chasing it down in just 17.3 overs to win by eight wickets to register their first win and give them a chance of making the semis.
- The consistent lacklustre and slow run rate has blighted the Gladiators throughout the tournament but they showed signs of improving as they scored 198 against Dambulla in the match prior to the Colombo victory. Danushka Gunathilaka and Azam Khan’s consistent performances were finally supported by the impressive Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Ahsan Ali against the Kings.
- Mohammad Amir has been Galle’s standout bowler and the pre-tournament expectation was that he and Lakshan Sandakan would have to do too much work for them to challenge. However, their individual quality is enough to win the odd game and with Amir taking five and Sandakan taking three last time out, this has been proven.
THE PREDICTION
Dambulla’s charge to go into the semi-finals as league leaders continues and they will be keen to register a win here but Galle come into this match with renewed confidence after beating Chattogram. They are vying with Kandy for the fourth and final semi-final spot and they have shown marked improvement in the last two games as they have started to score at a quicker rate and their bowlers Amir and Sandakan have found some form. The Gladiators will be confident they can back up their first win of the tournament but Dambulla may still have too much quality for them.