Galle Gladiators gave themselves a bit of a lifeline after they took down the Colombo Kings by eight wickets in their previous game of the inaugural Lanka Premier League. Bhanuka Rajapaksha and Co are currently placed fourth on the table and they have pushed Kandy Tuskers right down to the bottom of the table.

Another victory would take them one step closer to a spot in the semi-final. In their next game, the Gladiators are set to lock horns with the Dambulla Viiking in the second of Wednesday’s doubleheader in Hambantota.

In their previous meeting, the Gladiators fell short by nine runs while chasing a massive target of 208. The Viiking, on the other hand, have already qualified for the playoffs with four wins. They would want to carry on with their winning momentum.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Hambantota has been a batting-friendly one thus far in the tournament. The average first innings score of over 180 shows that the bowlers don’t have much to cheer for.

The batsmen have been able to play their shots without much fuss. The playing conditions will be clear with the temperature around 27 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be in the low-80s with no chance of rain.

Playing Combinations for GAL vs DAM

Galle Gladiators

Probable XI

Danushka Gunathilaka, Ahsan Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Azam Khan, Shehan Jayasuriya, Chadwick Walton, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Milinda Siriwardana, Mohammad Amir, Lakshan Sandakan, Asitha Fernando

Bench– Chanaka Ruwansiri, Sahan Arachchige, Duvindu Tilakaratne, Waqas Maqsood, Nuwan Thushara, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohamed Shiraz, Akila Dananjaya

Dambulla Viiking

Probable XI

Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dasun Shanaka (C), Samit Patel, Angelo Perera, Samiullah Shinwari, Ramesh Mendis, Anwar Ali, Pulina Tharanga, Malinda Pushpakumara, Kasun Rajitha,

Bench– Kavindu Nadeeshan, Ashen Bandara, Dilshan Madushanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Madushanka, Aftab Alam, Lahiru Kumara, Paul Stirling, Sachindu Colombage

Probable Top Performers for GAL vs DAM

Danushka Gunathilaka– Galle Gladiators

The Gladiators have strained to find their feet, but not Danushka Gunathilaka, the leading run-scorer in the Lanka Premier League. In six matches, the left-handed batsman has hammered 322 runs at a stupendous average and strike-rate of 64.40 and 145.04 respectively.

Having hit three fifties, he has been a lone warrior for his team. The Gladiators would again be hoping for their gun batter to fire in the next game.

Dasun Shanaka– Dambulla Viiking  

Dasun Shanaka has led the Viiking on the front in the tournament. In six matches, the right-handed batsman has 236 runs at an average and strike-rate of 47.20 and 169.78 respectively.

Batting in the middle-order, he has been able to carry on with the good work by the top-order batsmen. Though he hasn’t bowled much and has picked only one wicket, he is more than handy with his medium pace.

Average first innings score: 183 (14 completed matches in LPL 2020)

Record of chasing teams: Won- 6 | Lost- 7 |Tie- 1

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 08:00 PM local time, 08:00 PM IST

TV – Sony SIX

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

The prediction is for Dambulla Viiking to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.