2020 Lanka Premier League Final – Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Stallions Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Stallions taking place? Wednesday 16th December, 2020 – 13:30 (UK)
Where is Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Stallions taking place? MRIC Stadium, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Where can I get tickets for Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Stallions? No tickets are available as this tournament is taking place without spectators
What channel is Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Stallions on? This match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Stallions? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
GALLE GLADIATORS
- · Despite winning just two of their eight group stage games and scraping their way into the knockout phase, the Galle Gladiators pulled off the shock of the tournament so far by beating Colombo Kings by two wickets in the semis to reach the final.
- · Despite losing their first five matches of the LPL, they have now won three of their last four games to reach the final so they have good form and momentum behind them coming into this match.
- · The bowling has been key in these last four matches as they have taken 35 wickets in those games to restrict their opponents to below par scores and that will be vital against this strong Stallions batting line-up that has dominated in both previous matches played so far between the two.
JAFFNA STALLIONS
- · Jaffna Stallions come into this inaugural LPL final as clear favourites after beating Dambulla Viiking in their semi-final with a strong all-round display and like the Gladiators, they are peaking at the right time.
- · They possess the best bowling attack in the tournament and against this Gladiators batting line-up that is heavily reliant on Gunathilaka at the top of the order, they will be confident of taking early wickets to put them under pressure.
- · The batting showed signs of regaining some form in the semi-finals after some below-par performances but as long as they produce a solid enough display, they should simply have too much depth with bat and ball – due to their various all-rounders – to overcome this Galle side.
THE PREDICTION
This promises to be an enthralling inaugural final of the Lanka Premier League between surprise package Galle Gladiators and Jaffna Stallions. It is the Stallions who have to be favoured in this one as they have the right combination of star power, depth with bat and ball, and some key experienced individuals like Shoaib Malik to produce the goods when it matters. Galle stunned the Colombo Kings in the semis and that will give them the confidence that they can beat anybody but they may fall short here. Jaffna have the edge in all areas and whether they bat or bowl first, they should have the quality to lift the crown.
