Sri Lanka T10 League

Match 1: JT vs HBT

Preview 

Sri Lanka has always been the nation that has embraced fast-paced cricket, right from the days of Sanath Jayasuriya in his iconic pinch-hitting role at the top of the order in their ODI setup, to that of recent times when they clinched the World T20 League. 

As a result, many expect this league to not only get enormous support in Kandy from the opening game onwards but also to seize the attention of cricket fans/enthusiasts around the world. 

Whatever happens, this is certain to be a thrilling nine days of non-stop action-packed cricket studded with boundaries, wickets, breathtaking catches and no doubt ample run-outs as well with every run important for success. 

The inaugural edition of the Lanka T10 League will feature six teams, each representing different parts of the island country. Jaffna Titans (JT) and Hambantota Bangla Tigers (HBT) will kick off the tournament on Wednesday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. 

There are numerous fine players in the JT squad but none have such a reputation in white-ball cricket as their captain, bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who can single-handedly change the fate of a match with both and ball in hand. 

They possess the quality of Tom Kohler Cadmore and Kusal Mendis at the top of the order. The pair can go hammer and tongs right from the outset. JK then has Johnson Charles at three, known for his destructive display with the bat.

There is also plenty of depth in the middle and lower order with the likes of Dwaine Pretorius, George Garton and David Wiese. 

With the ball, Hasaranga and Wellalalge will hold the key in the spin bowling department. Mohammad Amir, Wiese and Pretorious are the pace bowling options in the team. 

HBT come into this tournament with great expectations but many experts have pointed out that although they have a potent batting line-up, their bowling does look a little fragile.

However, that should not be seen as the terminal for the side as many teams in the T10 format have managed to flourish despite being one-dimensional. 

Whether HBT can do well depends a lot on the bowling of Richard Gleeson and Dasun Shanaka. 

Ahead of the tournament opener, let us look at how the two teams fare out on Wednesday. 

Match Details

Match: JT vs HBT, 1st Match, Lanka T10 League, 2024

Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

Pitch and Weather Report

The Kandy pitch traditionally provides a great deal of spin and stays low. However, for this tournament, we expect to see a lot more bounce and carry from the wicket. 

According to the weather forecast, there are constant threats of thunderstorms in Kandy. It will be very humid, and cloudy and the temperature will be in the mid-high 20s.


JT vs HBT Squads

JT: Johnson Charles(w), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Kevin Wickham, Charith Asalanka, David Wiese, Dwaine Pretorius, Wanindu Hasaranga(c), George Garton, Mohammad Amir, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Treveen Mathew

HBT: Kusal Perera(w), Hazratullah Zazai, Brian Bennett, Iftikhar Ahmed, Dasun Shanaka(c), Karim Janat, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Richard Gleeson, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Nishan Peiris, Mohammad Shahzad, Sahan Arachchige, Tharindu Ratnayake, Shevon Daniel, Chamath Gomez

Match Prediction

We are backing JT to win this encounter. 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket