2020 Lanka Premier League – Jaffna Stallions vs Kandy Tuskers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Jaffna Stallions vs Kandy Tuskers taking place? Wednesday 9th December, 2020 – 10:00 (UK)
Where is Jaffna Stallions vs Kandy Tuskers taking place? MRIC Stadium, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Where can I get tickets for Jaffna Stallions vs Kandy Tuskers? No tickets are available as this tournament is taking place without spectators
What channel is Jaffna Stallions vs Kandy Tuskers on? This match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Jaffna Stallions vs Kandy Tuskers? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
JAFFNA STALLIONS
- Jaffna only managed to play seven overs in a rain-affected game against Dambulla on Monday, however, they had pegged the Viikings back to 42-3 with the consistently impressive Wanindu Hasaranga bowling a wicket-maiden; a T20 rarity.
- The big news from that game was a lack of Dhanajaya De Silva in the XI as his bowling has been average even though he has contributed reasonably with the bat and he was replaced by Charith Asalanka in the side so it will be interesting to see if they line up the same here.
- The Stallions do not require a victory as they are assured of a semi-final spot already but they will be keen to retain some momentum especially against one of the weaker sides in the tournament.
KANDY TUSKERS
- Kandy’s most recent outing was a crushing defeat to Colombo Kings as they could only muster 105 batting first and Colombo managed to chase that down in just 14.1 overs with seven wickets remaining.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz has remained a shining light in a consistently under-performing batting line-up that features Kusal Perera, Brendan Taylor, Irfan Pathan and Kusal Mendis, but they will have to do more with the bat if they are to challenge the Stallions here.
- The Tuskers have to win this game in order to set up a crucial and potentially deciding match against Galle in their final league stage game of the tournament but the odds are against them based on form.
THE PREDICTION
A Kandy victory is crucial if they are to make the semi-finals so motivation is on their side even if form is not. In comparison, Jaffna are more relaxed about their situation ahead of the final two rounds as they have already qualified for the semis. The Stallions battered Kandy, like everybody has bar Galle, earlier in the tournament and, despite Kandy needing to win, Jaffna look to be in the groove with both bat and ball and have too much all-round quality for the Tuskers. The Stallions will want to go into the semi-finals as league leaders and will be confident of victory in this match.
