Jaffna Kings vs Colombo Strikers, LPL 2023, Today Match Prediction 30 July 2023

JKS vs CLS Match Prediction & Analysis

The eagerly awaited Lanka Premier League 2023 is gearing up for its fourth edition, slated to take place between July 30 and August 20. The tournament will showcase five teams competing fiercely across three international venues. Jaffna Kings, the reigning champions, will be determined to safeguard their title against the other formidable adversaries in the competition. The Kings will take on Colombo Strikers in the inaugural match of the new season at the R. Premadasa Stadium this Sunday.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

JKS

CLS

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Jaffna Kings Preview

The Jaffna franchise made its debut in the Lanka Premier League's inaugural edition in 2020 as Jaffna Stallions. However, prior to LPL 2021, the team underwent a name change and became known as Jaffna Kings under new ownership. Thisara Perera, the former Sri Lanka all-rounder, has been the inspirational leader behind all three of their LPL title victories. As the LPL season approaches, Perera is all set to lead his side once again, with his eyes firmly fixed on achieving an unprecedented fourth consecutive title for the Kings.

Key players to watch out for

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the talented Afghanistan keeper-batter, will play a pivotal role as the leading batsman in their top-order. He has earned He is among the tournament's top 5 batsmen, amassing an impressive tally of more than 600 runs, with a strike rate of 153.

Meanwhile, skipper Perera is in sixth place with 550 runs at a strike rate of 195.03.

David Miller, a dominant force in T20 cricket, is an asset every team desires, given his exceptional finishing skills. The hard-hitting southpaw has amassed an impressive 9,000+ runs in the format, boasting a stunning strike-rate of 139.25, accompanied by four centuries and forty-four half-centuries. We are backing him to do well this season.

On the bowling front, the Kings have many options as well. Maheesh Theekshana, a seasoned player with extensive experience in multiple leagues, holds the impressive record of being the 4th highest wicket-taker in LPL history, securing a total of 26 wickets.

The defending champions have also secured the valuable services of Nuwan Thushara, the second-highest wicket-taker in LPL history, who had previously been an integral part of Galle.

Former Sri Lanka U19 captain Dunith Wellalage, graceful left-handed batsman Charith Asalanka, and seasoned Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik were all acquired in the auction. Zaman Khan, Chris Lynn, and Hardus Viljoen were among their foreign gs.

Jaffna Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Chris Lynn, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Asela Gunaratne, David Miller, Shoaib Malik, Charith Asalanka, Thisara Perera(c), Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

Jaffna Kings Actual Playing XI:

Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dilshan Madushanka, Hardus Viljoen, Nishan Madushka, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, Thisara Perera, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Priyamal Perera, Towhid Hridoy

Colombo Strikers Preview

Colombo Strikers dominated the league stage in the inaugural LPL but couldn't advance to the finals after being defeated by Galle in the semi-finals. Their fourth-place finish in 2021 was followed by an impressive turnaround in the previous edition, where they secured a spot in the finals for the first time, by defeating Galle and Kandy in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, respectively. Unfortunately, they finished as runners-up after a gripping Final against Jaffna Kings.

Key players to watch out for

Regarded as one of the most accomplished batters of the modern era in cricket, captain Babar Azam will have a crucial role to play at the top of the order along with the likes of Pathum Nissanka and Niroshan Dickwella.

Iftikhar Ahmed will be pivotal for the team’s middle-order. He’s an experienced T20 cricketer, with over 4300 runs at an average of 28.91 in the format at a strike rate of 128.35.

Wicket-keeper batter Lahiru Udara (75 runs from the last 3 matches at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 131.57) is another batter we reckon who can make an impact in this match.

In the bowling department, Matheesha Pathirana's performance will be closely watched this season, as he played a pivotal role in securing the 2023 IPL title for the Chennai Super Kings. Nicknamed 'Baby Malinga,' he went on take 19 wickets during the tournament, many of them in the death overs.

Additionally, the Strikers will benefit from Naseem Shah's blistering speed and skillful swing, particularly when using the new ball. Naseem is one of the most exciting fast bowlers in international cricket right now. Having him and Pathirana in the bowling attack, along with Chamika Karunaratne and Shoriful Islam, definitely gives the Strikers an edge.

Colombo Strikers Predicted Playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ramesh Mendis, Mohammad Nawaz, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Chamika Karunaratne, Naseem Shah, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay

Colombo Strikers Actual Playing XI:

Niroshan Dickwella, Pathum Nissanka, Naseem Shah, Ramesh Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Matheesha Pathirana, Babar Azam, Nuwanidu Fernando, Yashodha Lanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohammad Nawaz

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The track at the R. Premadasa Stadium is generally a good one for batting. Since this is the first match of the season, the track is expected to have an even amount of bounce, which the batters should enjoy. Spinners will have a big role to play. Seam bowlers will get some seam movement in the initial few overs with the new ball.

The weather in Colombo during the match is expected to be cloudy. Some showers are likely to take place in the afternoon, which might delay the start of the game.

JKS vs CLS Pitch Report

The average score batting first at the R.Premadasa Stadium in domestic T20s is 147. The highest total posted at the venue is 207-6 by Jaffna Kings against Colombo in 2021. Totals above 170 have been achieved eight times here in 29 domestic T20 matches.

Toss: To Bowl

15 out of the 29 T20 domestic matches played at the R.Premadasa Stadium have been won by the team chasing. Chasing seems to be the norm these days days in T20s and it won’t be surprising if the toss-winning team decides to field first.