With the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA where India were crowned new champions under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the excitement of franchise T20 leagues is set to resume. The fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 is all set to get underway today, July 1, featuring an eagerly anticipated match between B-Love Kandy and Dambulla Sixers.
This year, a total of five teams will be competing in the tournament, battling it out across 24 T20 matches with the grand finale slated for July 21 at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. B-Love Kandy, the defending champions, will be looking to retain their title under the seasoned leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga.
The tournament will be held across three venues: Pallekele, Dambulla, and Colombo. Notably, Pallekele will host the first five matches of the tournament. This initial phase will be followed by the caravan moving to Dambulla, where nine matches are scheduled. The final leg of the tournament, including the playoffs and the conclusive final, will take place in Colombo.
**Pallekele Pitch Report for Match 1 of LPL 2024**
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, a well-known venue in the realm of T20 cricket, will be the stage for the opening clash. Known for its batting-friendly surface, Pallekele has hosted numerous T20 matches. Historically, batting first has been a favorable strategy, with data indicating that 12 matches have been won by teams opting to bat first. A notable highlight at this venue was in 2016 when Australia posted a staggering 263 runs against Sri Lanka, a match that saw Glenn Maxwell obliterate records with a score of 145 off just 65 balls.
. Given that this is the start of the season, the pitch conditions are expected to be fresh and conducive to high-scoring games.
**Pallekele Pitch Report – T20 Statistics**
– Matches Played: 23
– Matches won batting first: 12
– Matches won bowling first: 8
– Average first innings score: 168
**Highest and Lowest Totals at Pallekele**
The highest total recorded here in T20s is 263/3 by Australia against Sri Lanka, while the lowest is 88/10 by New Zealand against Sri Lanka. The highest successful chase was 178/2 by Pakistan against Bangladesh, and the lowest score successfully defended is 125/8 by Sri Lanka against New Zealand.
**Teams and Squads**
**B-Love Kandy Squad:**
The B-Love Kandy team boasts a robust squad featuring Mohammad Haris, Andre Fletcher, Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper), Ashen Bandara, Dimuth Karunaratne, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Agha Salman, Chaturanga de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Ramesh Mendis, Shammu Ashan, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Ali, Chamath Gomez, and Kavindu Pathiratne.
**Dambulla Sixers Squad:**
The Dambulla Sixers squad includes notable players such as Kusal Perera (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Chapman, Towhid Hridoy, Asanka Manoj, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwanidu Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Madushanka, Sonal Dinusha, Dushan Hemantha, Mohammad Nabi (captain), Nimesh Vimukthi, Lahiru Udara, Ranesh Silva, Nuwan Pradeep, Akila Dananjaya, Mustafizur Rahman, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Nuwan Thushara, and Sachitha Jayathilake.
This edition of the LPL promises to be a thrilling spectacle as teams vie for glory in the vibrant setting of Sri Lanka. Fans can expect a series of riveting encounters, starting with today’s match between B-Love Kandy and Dambulla Sixers, setting the tone for a month of exhilarating cricket ahead.
Aside from the battle on the field, spectators and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to potential stand-out performances, innovations in play, and strategic masterstrokes by team captains and coaches. The engaging mix of seasoned global stars and promising local talents is set to make this edition of the LPL a memorable one.
Stay tuned as the Lanka Premier League 2024 unfolds, delivering cricketing action, moments of brilliance, and unforgettable matches that will etch themselves in the annals of T20 cricket history. With the tournament’s kickoff showcasing top-tier talent and competitive spirit, this year’s LPL is poised to enthrall cricket fans around the world.
