Jaffna Kings face a tough task against Dambulla Giants in bid to enter finals
The defending champions Jaffna Kings led by Thisara Perera will meet Dambulla Giants in their qualifier 2 game of the LPL today (21) at Mahinda Rajapaksa International cricket stadium, commencing at 7.30 pm.
Jaffna Kings who played the qualifier 1 game on Sunday were beaten comprehensively by Galle Gladiators and their batting failure was the main reason for their defeat and they are very concerned about this issue at today’s game. Chasing a 185 runs at the qualifier 1 game Kings managed to get 124 and only two batters openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (59) and Wanindu Hasaranga (29) entered doubles figures . Especially Avishka Fernando and Shoaib Malik the experienced all rounder failed to impress with the bat highly affected their last game . Tom Kholer-Cadmore the highest run scorer with 92 has a big responsibility to steer them to victory in this vital game and middle order batters Thisara Perera, Chaturanga de Silva and Ashen Bandara also are good stroke makers while Upul Tharanga who did not play last game probably will come in to strengthen their batting today.
Jaffna Kings two main spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana went wicketless . Skipper Thisara Perera said their team is expected to bounce back in this game to enter the final .Our bowlers gave 20-30 more runs in the last game and we have to work hard to correct that mistake in this important game. “After shifting from Colombo by playing matches at R.Premadasa Stadium It’ s difficult to suddenly adjust here but we all realized the importance of this game and hope to come back,” said Thisara Perera.
Meanwhile Dambulla Giants stand in skipper Niroshan Dikwella who was out for a duck at the last eliminator game is expected to make good start today . Giants won by six wickets at the eliminator game and confident to take on Jaffna Kings today. He said the wicket was not easy to bat but the bowlers did great job to beat Colombo Stars by six wickets . Especially young Janith Liyanage made a match winning half century during the difficult time and all these are plus points for today’s game and Giants are ready to take up the challenge. Skipper Dasun Shanaka is still not confirmed to play today but their opener Phil Salt, Najibullah Zadran are in good form while Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis also useful all-rounders can make good finishing touches is an advantage for Giants .
