Colombo and Dambulla square off in the first doubleheader fixture in Sri Lanka T20 League 2020 to claim the top spot. Colombo have won its first two fixtures convincingly, while Dambulla also made a positive start on Saturday.
Match Timings: Dec 01, 3:30 PM
Team Preview
The double-header fixtures in Sri Lanka T20 League started on Saturday, and all teams will now take their campaign forward, managing the hectic schedule. Colombo looks like a destructive side since their super over victory against Kandy. With a fine batting lineup to a hard-hitting option, in the end, Colombo has a strong balance to outclass the opposition on the track like Hambantota, where spin is not making a big impact.
In the last washed-out affair against Galle, Andre Russell smashed 65 off just 19 balls to post 96 in 5-overs. Galle surrendered against this massive chase, and Colombo took the top spot with a better net-run-rate. Drummond earned the recall after missing the opening game, and he would open for Colombo. Drummond was in fabulous form in UK’s T20 summer, scoring the highest 423 runs for Kent in Blast.
Chandimal and Evans are two prominent batsmen in its top order, followed by Russell's destruction at the finishing end. Qais Ahmed’s inclusion is great as he bowls in the right areas, and his controlled-bowling helps Colombo maintain the run-rate. The top four finish should be a cakewalk for Angelo Mathews, but they have to be ready for the surprise from Dambulla.
Meanwhile, the Dasun Shanaka-led side is also coming off a victory against Kandy in a rain-affected affair. The captain led from the front and scored 73 off just 37 balls to put 195 on the board. D/L method assured two points for Dambulla after the rain stopped the play. Dambulla’s batting unit is also pretty convincing, with Dickwella and Fernando as openers, followed by experienced Tharanga at one-down.
The skipper sent Samit Patel at number 4, and the Englishman scored 38-balls 58 to put 128-runs stand for the third wicket. The bowling was not tested enough due to rains, but Anwar Ali was impressive in the powerplay. Dambulla will enter into this game after playing against Jaffna.
Pitch Report
Hambantota’s surface is dry, and it's a day-game so, we might expect some assistance to spin. It’s a pure batting-friendly wicket, and chasing sides will have an advantage. The dew will not be there, but still, batsmen will enjoy the game.
Possible XI
Colombo
Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Laurie Evans, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Thikshila de Silva, Andre Russell, Angelo Mathews (c), Ashan Priyanjan, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Qais Ahmad, Amila Aponso
Dambulla
Upul Tharanga, Oshada Fernando, Dasun Shanaka (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Samit Patel, Malinda Pushpakumara, Lahiru Madushanka, Anwar Ali, Lahiru Kumara, Sudeep Tyagi
Key Players
Colombo
Dinesh Chandimal
Domestic season 2020 – M: 8, Runs: 1027, Avg: 93.36
Previous outing – 80 (46)
Daniel Bell-Drummond
T20 Blast 2020 – M: 11, Runs: 423, Avg: 42.30
Dambulla
Samit Patel
T20 Blast 2020 – M: 11, Wickets: 11, Avg: 26
Previous outing – 58 (38)
Malinda Pushpakumara
Domestic season 2020 – M: 9, Wickets: 50, Avg: 20.68
