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The 13th match of the 2023 Lanka Premier League will witness the clash between Colombo Strikers and Jaffna Kings at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on August 8, Tuesday. Jaffna Kings are in third with four points while Colombo Strikers, who have two points are in fifth place in LPL 2023 points table.

Colombo Strikers have faced Dambulla Aura in their previous encounter and were defeated by 10 runs. Speaking of the game, the Strikers won the toss and opted to bowl first. Aura’s Kusal Mendis (87) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (59) scored the fifties as they set a 193-run target for the Strikers. For Strikers, Matheesha Pathirana claimed a three-wicket haul while Naseem Shah and Chamika Karunaratne picked up two and one wickets, respectively.

In reply, Strikers were restricted to 182/4 despite Nuwanidu Fernanado scoring an unbeaten 56 runs off 39 deliveries. His knock was studded with four boundaries and four maximums. Babar Azam also played a significant contribution, scoring 41 off 24 balls.

Jaffna Kings, on the other hand, have suffered an eight-wicket loss against the B-Love Kandy. After being invited to bat first, the top order collapsed and the Kings managed to score only 117 in the first innings. Dunith Wellalage top-scored for the Kings, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 27 deliveries. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Pradeep grabbed three wickets each for Kandy.

Hasaranaga was crucial for Kandy during the chase as well, scoring a half-century. He scored an unbeaten 52 off 22 deliveries as Kandy chased down the target in 13 overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Nandre Burger picked up one wicket each for the Kings.

Thisara Perera-led Jaffna Kings are the favourites to win the upcoming match. In the five games played between both the teams, Kings have won on all occasions.