With so many T20 Leagues popping up across the globe, the rise of the popularity of the sport through the format is quite evident. The inaugural edition of Major League Cricket is already being deemed to be a success and so is likely to be Global T20 Canada. We have just commenced the 2023 edition of the Lanka Premier League and that is certainly going to help the Island nation unearth some talent that they desperately need to get back their potency in the international scene.
LPL 2023 started with Jaffna Kings defeating Colombo Strikers in what proved to be a rather one-sided encounter. We expect the contests to get closer with every passing match as the teams find their perfect eleven. Up next in the tournament, we have Galle Titans all set to take on Dambulla Aura in what will be the first match for both these sides.
The match is to be played on 31st July 2023 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Both these sides have some cracking players available and are expected to produce a terrific game of Cricket.
GALLE GLADIATORS
The Titans finished at the fourth spot last year and just narrowly made the playoffs. However, they could not do anything eventful in the playoffs as they finished their campaign then and there. They would want to improve their campaign result this time and starting with a win is going to be the key.
In 2023, Dasun Shanaka takes charge of the Galle Titans, leading them into the tournament with high hopes of making an impactful start with the bat. Alongside him, Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also expected to play a vital role as a local player, contributing significantly to their team’s runs. The squad is well-equipped with overseas talent like Chad Bowes and the renowned Shakib Al Hasan from Bangladesh, both of whom bring ample T20 experience. Moreover, the bowling department is strengthened by the likes of Akila Dananjaya and Lahiru Kumara, adding depth and versatility to the team.
All in all, Galle Titans look an extremely well-balanced side with pretty much no gaps visible. They would want to convert this on-paper strength to on-field performances and if they can do that, getting past them is going to be a challenging task.
DAMBULLA GIANTS
Dambulla Aura had a poor campaign last year, finishing at the bottom-most spot as nothing went their way. They would want to shrug the memories of that campaign off as quickly as they can as a couple of losses early in the tournament can send them sliding right down the barrel.
The positive thing that Dambulla Aura can take from their last year’s campaign is that the only way from here is up. They have recruited some fine players this season to bolster their squad, which does look a lot more potent, at least on paper. The addition of Avishka Fernando, who top-scored for Jaffna Kings last year is a big plus. Also, with the likes of Kusal Perera and Sadeera Samarawickrama, their batting looks good.
The presence of Hayden Kerr and Ben McDermott lends immaculate balance to their side, covering all the bases where they were lacking last year. While their batting looks solid, their bowling still have some void to fill. The local bowlers will have to deliver to keep Dambulla Aura in the hunt and if that happens, they will certainly be a very tough side to beat.
GGD VS DHG TOSS PREDICTION
It’s expected to be nice and sunny at Colombo with negligible chances of rain. It would be hot with high humidity, testing fitness of all the players. Fielding first is going to be tough and both captains would know that. Because of weather as well as the surface conditions, expect the captain winning the toss to elect to field first.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS
Sri Lanka in general is known to produce spinner friendly wickets and RPS Colombo is no different. These are early days in the tournament and we can expect the surface to have some pace. Having said that, this is a day game and batting will likely get difficult with passage of play. The powerplay will be the best time to score and both teams would want to make it count. Any total over 165 would be a good one here.
GGD VS DHG BETTING TIPS
While Dambulla Aura seems to have a strong lineup on paper and a chance to recover from their disappointing 2022 campaign, achieving immediate success won’t be a simple task. The ghosts of the poor last season will certainly haunt them unless they get off to a flying start. It may take time for the team to come together as a cohesive unit and establish a winning formula. On the other hand, the Galle Titans possess a wealth of experience, tactical expertise, and proven winners, making them likely to hit the ground running. Besides, the presence of experience right throughout adds to their strength. Considering these factors, backing Galle Titans appears to be the favored choice. Bet on Galle Titans to register a win here.