Lanka Premier League 2021: Match 5 : Kandy Warriors vs Galle Gladiators: Preview

Galle Gladiators are set to cross swords with Kandy Warriors in match number five of Lanka Premier League (LPL). Gladiators are coming off from a close loss against Colombo Stars in their second match. It was a low-scoring thriller with Stars holding their nerve to get over the line by four wickets. Gladiators were guilty of losing too many wickets and could only post 116 for the loss of eight wickets.

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Gladiators’ batters failed to get going with only Ben Dunk and Isuru Udana contributing. Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa had a rare failure with a bat. He has been in a rich vein of form in the T20Is and would be hoping to make a contribution in the next game.

Warriors are also coming off a close loss against Dambulla Giants. The team could not chase 191 and fell short by 20 runs. Warriors had to face the wrath of Phil Salt’s astonishing hitting. He struck 64 runs off just 27 balls. In the run chase, the Warriors' big-hitters failed to get going and could only reach 170. Rovman Powell top-scored with 42.

Pitch Report

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The teams have fared slightly better while batting first. The wicket seems to get slower as the match progresses.

Average first innings score: 156 (in LPL 2021 so far)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 2, N/R – 0

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Probable Playing XIs

Galle Gladiators 

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Samit Patel, Lahiru Madushanka, Isuru Udana, Pulina Tharanga, Noor Ahmad, Nuwan Thushara

Kandy Warriors

Kennar Lewis, Devon Thomas (wk), Charith Asalanka, Angelo Perera (c), Kamindu Mendis, Rovman Powell, Asela Gunaratne, Ishan Jayaratne, Sachindu Colombage, Lahiru Kumara

Match Details

Match – Galle Gladiators vs Kandy Warriors – Match5

Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Time – 07:30 PM IST

Where to watch live – Sony Six, Sony LIV