Match Center

Cricket fever has gripped Sri Lanka and the world as the Lanka Premier League roars on! Hold onto your seats as the LPL storm barrels towards Dambulla now! The famous Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is primed to become the next arena of cricketing warfare for the next few matches. Match number 7 features the Kandy Falcons who will be up against the Colombo Strikers in the quick turnaround reverse fixture. The Kandy Falcons have spread their wings under a new banner, but their flight path has been a bit turbulent so far. After soaring to victory against Dambulla, they hit some choppy air against the Colombo Strikers, leaving Wanindu Hasaranga's flock with a mixed bag of results. At the top of the order, Dinesh Chandimal has been as solid as a rock, but he's crying out for a wingman in Andre Fletcher to help weather the storm to provide a solid foundation from the get-go. The middle order has been a bit of a roller coaster, with Kamindu Mendis and Mohammad Haris yet to find their groove. It's time for these young guns to step up to the plate and show their mettle. However, the lower middle order is a force to be reckoned with. With veterans like Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka, plus the fireworks of Hasaranga himself, this batting lineup could still set the world on fire when it clicks. On the bowling front, Kasun Rajitha is leading the charge with the new ball, backed up by the searing pace of Dushmantha Chameera. Also, they do have another pace bowling option in Mohammad Hasnain in the ranks. In the spin department, Wanindu Hasaranga is the ace up their sleeve, with Agha Salman and Kamindu Mendis providing able support. They've been leaking runs like a sieve at times, but they've also been striking gold with crucial wickets. After being taken to the cleaners in a 51-run defeat in their last outing, it's clear the Falcons need to pull their socks up. If they can iron out the wrinkles and get all their things sorted, this team could prove to be a dangerous pack in the tournament. Still pretty early in the tournament though, it's back to the drawing board to sharpen and improve their skills and prepare the best playing combinations. The Colombo Strikers, mirroring their opponents, have experienced a rollercoaster start to the tournament. Thisara Perera's squad kicked off with a bang, notching a victory, only to stumble in a nail-biter against the Galle Marvels. But the commanding victory against the Falcons has provided the cushion of a better NRR. At the top of the order, the explosive Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands ready to ignite the innings, though consistency has proven elusive in the opening partnerships thus far. But it’s the middle order where the Strikers truly pack their punch. Talk about the explosive row of batters! Glenn Phillips and Muhammad Waseem are capable of dismantling any bowling attack. Complementing this firepower is the elegant stroke play of Sadeera Samarawickrama, whose classical approach provides the perfect foil to his more aggressive teammates. This formidable batting arsenal gives the Strikers a lineup that can weather early setbacks and still post imposing totals. With Matheesha Pathirana as their trump card, the Strikers possess a death-over specialist capable of dismantling even the most formidable batting lineups. His presence adds a lethal edge to their bowling arsenal that includes the likes of Dunith Wellalage and Binura Fernando, along with a good number of all-round options. All in all, Both the Falcons and Strikers are eager to shake off the cobwebs of recent defeats and return to their winning ways. Will the Kandy Falcons rise to the occasion, avenging their previous loss and balancing the scales? Or will the Colombo Strikers prove their dominance by securing a second consecutive victory over their rivals? Which team are you backing?