2020 Lanka Premier League – Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers taking place? Thursday 10th December, 2020 – 14:30 (UK)
Where is Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers taking place? MRIC Stadium, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Where can I get tickets for Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers? No tickets are available as this tournament is taking place without spectators
What channel is Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers on? This match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Tuskers? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
GALLE GLADIATORS
- Galle failed to back up their impressive victory over Colombo as they fell to a four-wicket loss against Dambulla after setting a target of 169; they did manage to take the chase until the final ball but a sloppy fielding effort from the Gladiators allowed the Viiking’s to steal victory despite Dambulla requiring 49 from 24 balls at one stage.
- Mohammad Amir backed up his five wicket-haul against Colombo by taking 1-29 to finish up with a reasonable economy but the damage was too much for him to prevent as he went for 11 off the penultimate over and the fielding especially was particularly alarming and damaging to his figures.
- The Gladiators have seemingly settled on a batting order and line-up but the harmful innings of Sahan Arachchige, 9 from 10, in the middle part of the innings will be a cause for concern. Bar the continued absence of Shahid Afridi due to injury, and form, Galle have no other unavailable players.
KANDY TUSKERS
- Kandy Tuskers have no unavailable players and are expected to name the same line-up as they did in their season-reviving victory against the Jaffna Stallions on Wednesday.
- The Tuskers bowled Jaffna out for 150 and chased that target in 19.1 overs to win the game by six wickets and while it was a fairly moderate-to-slow chase, it was a controlled performance as they remained composed despite the desperation to win.
- Asela Gunaratne’s 2-21 off four overs with the ball was then backed up by an unbeaten and match-winning score of 52 from 37 balls while Kusal Perera hit a 36-ball 42 to regain some touch.
THE PREDICTION
The top four out of five will progress to the semi-final stage and the top three are already decided. The final game comes down to this one. Galle only need to win in order to overhaul Kandy on net run rate whereas the Tuskers can join Colombo, Jaffna and Dambulla in the knockouts with a win or even a possible rain shower - this being thanks to that victory on Wednesday against Jaffna. The preference is for the Kandy Tuskers who will be well rested to grab the win they need and eliminate the Gladiators.