League: Cricket
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 culminates in a highly anticipated rematch as Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings clash in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. This high-octane encounter promises a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
The Galle Marvels hold the upper hand, having previously defeated the Jaffna Kings by a convincing 7-wicket margin in Qualifier 1. However, the Kings displayed remarkable fighting spirit in Qualifier 2, edging past Kandy Falcons by a single run. This fighting spirit ensures they won’t be easily subdued in the final.
With both teams hungry for victory, the stage is set for a captivating finale that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is a dream venue for batters. While early spells might favour the new-ball bowlers with some swing and seam movement, the pitch offers a delightful surprise. As the match unfolds, the surface transforms into a haven for run-scorers, flattening out and offering consistent bounce throughout the innings.
However, the party doesn’t end for bowlers once the shine wears off the new ball. Spinners come into their own as the innings progresses, with the older ball offering opportunities to exploit turn and variable bounce. This trend has led most teams to favour chasing at this venue, capitalizing on the predictable pitch behaviour and the opportunity to unleash their spin attack in the latter stages.
Choice 1: Kusal Mendis (c), Tim Seifert (vc)
Choice 2: Niroshan Dickwella (c), Dwaine Pretorius (vc)
Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Rilee Rossouw, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka
Galle Marvels: Alex Hales, Niroshan Dickwella (c & wk), Tim Seifert, Janith Liyanage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sahan Arachchige, Isuru Udana, Dwaine Pretorius, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Kumara, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Lasith Croospulle, Zahoor Khan, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Mohamed Shiraz, Chamindu Wijesinghe, Sadisha Rajapaksa, Malsha Tharupathi, Yuri Koththigoda
Jaffna Kings: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fabian Allen, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Jason Behrendorff, Asitha Fernando, Arul Pragasam, Murvin Abinash, Eshan Malinga, Theesan Vithushan, Wanuja Sahan, Noor Ahmad, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Pramod Madushan, Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Samarakoon, Vishad Randika, Nisala Tharaka, Tabraiz Shamsi, Alex Ross