LPL 2023: Match 1, JK vs CS Match Prediction – Who will win today’s LPL match between Jaffna Kings and Colombo Stars?

The much-awaited Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 is all set to get underway from Sunday, July 30, as the three-time champions, Jaffna Kings, will take on Colombo Strikers in the curtain raiser of the tournament at R.Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. Notably, the match is going to be a replay of the final of the last edition where Jaffna won the match by two wickets to complete a hat-trick of titles of the LPL. Jaffna will be once again led by Thisara Perera who will give his all to lead his side to their fourth title win.

They have several big names in their squad such as Chris Lynn, David Miller, Shoaib Mali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and many more. On the other hand, Colombo will be led by their captain Babar Azam and have other big players in their squads such as Pathum Nissanka, Iftikhar Ahmed, Niroshan Dickwella, Naseem Shah, Wahab Riaz etc. The two star-studded teams are likely to put up a great show in the opening game and set the tone for the rest of the season.

Match Details:

Tournament: Lanka Premier League 2023

Match: Jaffna Kings vs Colombo Strikers – 1st Match

Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Date & Time: Sunday, July 30

Where to Watch Live: Star Sports and FanCode

R.Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

In the ten matches played at the venue in the last season, seven have been won by teams batting second. The average first innings score was 145 last while the highest target chased was 169. Being the first game of the tournament, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and put runs on the board.

Probable Playing XIs:

Jaffa Kings (JK)

C Asalanka, S Malik, T Perera (C), A Gunaratne, KNM Fernando, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, D Madushanka, N Thushara, Z Khan, M Theekshana

Colombo Stars (CS)

Babar Azam (C), A Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Iftikhar Ahmed, C Karunaratne, RTM Mendis, Mohammad Nawaz, N Dickwella (wk), Naseem Shah, Matheesha Pathirana, JF Vandersay

Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 7 Jaffna Kings – 05

Probable Best Batter of the Match

Babar Azam – Colombo Stars

The Colombo Stars skipper is one of the finest batters in the world across formats. Babar is known for giving strong starts to his teams at the top and bat through the innings. Babar will be eager to get his team off to a good start and beat their opposition to avenge the loss in the final last year.

Probable Best Bowler of the Match

Maheesh Theekshana – Jaffna Kings

The off-spinner is one of the most exciting young talents in the world as he’s proven his skills in his short international career. Theekshana has enough variations up his sleeve to bamboozle batters and spark a collapse at any stage of the innings. He will be eager to get crucial strikes for Jaffna and stop the run flow in the middle overs.

Today’s Match Prediction: Jaffna Kings to win the match

Scenario 1

Toss: Jaffna Kings win the toss and bat

PP score – 40-50

JK – 160-180

Result – Jaffna Kings win the match

Scenario – 2

Colombo Strikers win the toss and bat

PP score – 40-50

BRW – 150-170

Result – Jaffna Kings win the match

Disclaimer: The 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.