Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gladiators, LPL 2022, Today Match Prediction 06 December 2022

jsk vs ggd Match Prediction & Analysis

It is the first game of the Lanka Premier League 2022, and it will start with an epic clash between last year's finalists Jaffna Kings and Galle Gladiators. The Kings are the defending champions and have retained the core from the last year with a strong batting line-up. The Gladiators have roped in several new players, and they will hope for a strong show in this game.  

The Galle Gladiators would look to erase the memory of last year when they failed in the final hurdle. The Kings have good firepower in the batting department, adding to the side's confidence on a placid wicket. It is the start of a new season, and we expect both sides to deliver their best in this game.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Jaffna Kings Preview

Thisara Perera would like to make a strong statement as they begin the campaign in their title defense. The side has retained most of its players from the last season and has one of the strongest batting line-ups. Perera, who likes leading from the front, would want his players to fire all cylinders and make a positive start to the season.  

In this game, the side would like to see a good show from in-form Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Avishka Fernando. Shoaib Malik brings a lot of experience in the middle order, and the side would like to see him build partnerships with Ashan Randika and Dhananjaya de Silva. Perera and James Neesham are good finishers, and runs will be expected from their bats in this game.  

Maheesh Theekshana was the star performer for the side last season, and he would look to do well sharing the new ball with James Fuller. Praveen Jayawickrama and Dilshan Madushanka are emerging stars in domestic cricket, and the side would have big expectations. Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva and Neesham add experience and teeth to this bowling attack.

Jaffna Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Thisara Perera (c), Tom Kohler Cadmore (wk), Maheesh Theekshana, Shoaib Malik, Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, James Neesham, James Fuller, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dilshan Madushanka, Ashan Randika

Jaffna Kings Actual Playing XI:

Dunith Wellalage, Avishka Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Tom Kohler Cadmore, Binura Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, James Fuller, Shoaib Malik, Thisara Perera, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Galle Gladiators Preview

Kusal Mendis is leading a new-look side for the Gladiators this season, and he would like to start with a win. They have brought several new players to the side, making their squad interesting. It will be a tough battle against the Kings, and Mendis would like a positive approach from his players.  

Kusal Mendis and Nuwanidu Fernando must put up a strong show at the top as they will face a strong bowling attack. Kusal Perera is an experienced player, and he will look to add runs with Asad Shafiq and Nimesh Vimukthi. Imad Wasim's presence down the order is a big boost for the team, and he will look to do the heavy lifting in the final overs of the game.  

They have a new-look bowling attack for the side, and the side would expect early wickets from Nuwan Thushara and Mohammad Hasnain in this game. Anwar Ali is s smart bowler and must check the flow of runs in the middle overs. Lakshan Sandakan, Imad Wasim, and Vimukthi must bowl good lines to put the Kings under pressure.

Galle Gladiators Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Imad Wasim, Nuwan Pardeep, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Perara, Nuwan Thushara, Lakshan Sandakan, Asad Shafiq, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Nimesh Vimukthi

Galle Gladiators Actual Playing XI:

Iftikhar Ahmed, Pulina Tharanga, Shammu Ashan, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Imad Wasim, Movin Subasingha, Kusal Mendis, Azam Khan, Nuwan Pradeep, Wahab Riaz

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There would be odd clouds over Hambantota on December 06, but it isn't likely to be much of a problem for the batsmen as the pitch has been flat. Batsmen have been able to play their strokes with the pitch behaving well here. The side batting first in the game shall need more than 180 runs to feel safe. 

Venue Details

Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota's pitch is batting friendly, and the fast outfield makes it a paradise for the batsmen. It is one of the most challenging venues to bowl for the fast bowlers as there is no lateral movement on offer. The surface's slowness offers assistance to the spinners who have done well at this venue.

Toss: To Bat

Out of the four games played here last year, the side batting first won three. The wicket is good to bat on early in the game and slows down as the game progresses. The wicket will be best to bat on early in the afternoon. The side winning the toss in this game will likely opt for batting first.