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Jaffna Kings are all set to face the Kandy Royals in match No. 18 of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, July 30.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Co. are placed at No. 2 in the standings, having won four games and lost two. On the other hand, Kandy Royals have played seven games, winning three and losing four. Let’s take a look at how Jaffna Kings can line up in the upcoming fixture.
Jaffna Kings’ Predicted Playing XI vs Kandy Royals, 18th Match in LPL 2026:
Top-order: Kamil Mishara (WK), Avishka Fernando, Ibrahim Zadran
Kamil Mishara is the leading run-getter for the Kings, having scored 213 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 156.62. Avishka Fernando has scored 157 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 148.11. The two openers would look to get their team off to a flying start. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Zadran has scored 148
runs in five innings but his strike rate is a meagre 119.35.
Middle-order: Dunith Wellalage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (C), Towhid Hridoy, Chamindu
Wickramasinghe, Shakib Al Hasan
Dunith Wellalage has accumulated 143 runs in six innings at an average of 131.19 and picked up eight wickets at an economy rate of 6.79. Rajapaksa, however, has not been at his best. Towhid Hridoy will be high on confidence after playing a stunning cameo of 31* runs in eight balls in the last game.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe has scored 90 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 163.64. Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t contributed much with the bat but picked up five wickets in five games with the ball.
Bowlers: Traveen Mathew, Lizaad Williams, Mohamed Shiraz.
The young off-spinner, Traveen Mathew, has taken seven wickets in six games at an economy rate of 8.80. Mohamed Shiraz, meanwhile, has taken five wickets in three games at an economy rate of 6.78. However, Lizaad Williams has been class apart, picking up 12 wickets in five games at an economy rate
of 8.91. While the economy rate is on the higher side, he won’t mind as long as he can continue picking up wickets.
Jaffna Kings Predicted Playing XI: Kamil Mishara (WK), Avishka Fernando, Ibrahim Zadran, Dunith Wellalage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (C), Towhid Hridoy, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Traveen Mathew, Shakib Al Hasan, Lizaad Williams, Mohamed Shiraz.
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FAQS:
When and where will the match be played?
The match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, July 30.
What could be a winning score in this match?
A score of around 190 could be competitive. Batters are expected to dominate proceedings.
Which player can make the biggest difference?
Lizaad Williams could be the player to watch out for as he is in red-hot form.
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