Lanka Premier League Jaffna Stallions, Dambulla Viiking encounter the pick of the day

By M. Shamil Amit

The third round of matches of the ongoing Lanka Premier League are scheduled to be  played today at the Sooriyawewa Stadium with two matches down for decisions today.   

Of the two matches due to be worked off the pick is no doubt the match between two unbeaten teams Jaffna Stallions and Dambulla Viiking to be played at 3:30 p.m. which will be followed by the encounter match between Galle Gladiators and Kandy Tuskers who both will be looking for their first win of the tournament.   

Jaffna Stallions pulled off a thrilling eight wicket win with three balls to spare against Galle Gladiators on Friday while Dambulla Viiking came on top against Kandy Tuskers with a four run win on the D/L method in a rain affected match on Saturday.   

However with rains being experienced in the Hambantota area in which district the ground is situated the weather is going to be crucial as the second match between Galle Gladiators and Colombo Kings was decided on a five over encounter. 

 
Nevertheless the match between Jaffna Stallions led by Thisara Perera and Dambulla Viiking spearheaded by Dasun Shanaka should be a thriller due to the fact that the two teams will strive to maintain their unbeaten record.   
The Stallions who were guided by opener Avishka Fernando who cracked a 63 ball unbeaten knock of 92 against Galle Gladiators will be looking for a repeat of that innings and for sure he would be coming into the game with immense confidence.   

On the other hand Dambulla Viiking too have the ammunition and that was seen in their first match against Kandy Tuskers with skipper Shanaka spearheading with a blistering 73 runs in only 37 balls and he will be the batsman the Stallions bowlers will have to keep an eye.   

Apart from skipper Shanaka they possess batsmen in the likes of Samit Patel who made 58 in 38 balls in the first match, Niroshan Dickwella, Upul Tharanga and Ramesh Mendis to steer them, but unfortunately they will be missing the services of Oshada Fernando who sustained an injury and will not be available for the rest of the tournament.   

However with the two teams looking to maintain their unbeaten record, a keen tussle is no doubt to be expected which could go to the wire.   

The second match between Galle Gladiators led by Shahid Afridi and Kandy Tuskers by Kusal Perera, who both are looking for their first win having lost their two matches too should by interesting.   

The two skippers Afridi and Perera showed their prowess with Afridi making 58 and Perera cracking 87 in their first matches and much will be expected from them again if they are to make any impression.    The Gladiators beside skipper Afridi have batsmen in their ranks in the caliber of Dhanushka Gunatileke, Bhanuka Rajapapkse, Azam Khan, Milinda Siriwardena and Shehan Jayasuriya who all have a big responsibility while in the bowling department Mohammad Amir, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz and Afridi are the picks.   

On the other hand the Tuskers apart from skipper Perera have in their side players in the caliber of Rahmanullah Garbaz, an 18 year old who has made a half ton, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Seekkuge Prasanna and Kamindu Mendis to bolster their scoreboard while the bowling will be in charge of pacies Nuwan Pradeep, Irfan Pathan, Naeen up-Haq and Asela Gunaratne.   

So as mentioned with the two teams looking for their first win another keen tussle is no doubt on the card.