LPL 2023: JK vs CLS, 1st Match- 3 Players to watch out for

The Lanka Premier League 2023 is all set to kick off today with the inaugural match between defending champions Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers. Both teams will lock horns against each other at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The teams are studded with star players across the world, including both active and retired cricketers.

During the inaugural match of the fourth edition of the tournament, a few players may play a crucial role in their team. With that said, here we’ll have a look at the three players to watch out for in the first match of the tournament between the Jaffna Kings and the Colombo Strikers.

Here’s a look at the 3 players to watch out for in JK vs CLS, 1st Match:

#3 Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The star Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been in brilliant touch with the bat for the last couple of months. He also impressed everyone with his amazing performances in the Indian Premier League 2023, where he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Gurbaz has scored 249 runs in the last 9 T20 appearances, including two half-centuries. Jaffna Kings might count on the 21-year-old by giving him a chance to open the innings for his side. There are possibilities that he could open the innings for the Kings with his Sri Lanka teammate Nishan Madushka.

#2 Lahiru Udara

The domestic cricket veteran and star uncapped wicketkeeper-batter, Lahiru Udara could play a very important role for the Colombo Strikers. He has been in brilliant form in domestic cricket of late. In the last 3 T20 appearances, Udara has scored 75 runs with a very good average of 37.50.

Apart from that, the 29-year-old also has an amazing experience in T20 cricket in the domestic circuit, including the T20 leagues. After appearing in 52 matches, the star right-hander has scored 986 runs, including 4 half-centuries alongside 26 catches and 10 stumpings behind the wicket.

#1 Maheesh Theekshana

The star Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana was in sensational form in the ODI format for Sri Lanka during the ODI World Cup 2023 qualifiers. He scalped 21 wickets in just 8 matches, including 3 four-wicket hauls in the tournament. Given his current form in red-ball cricket, Theekshana might be a game-changing player for Jaffna Kings.

Apart from his heroics in the ODI format, the 22-year-old has also bowled brilliantly in T20 cricket, scalping 10 wickets in the last 8 matches he played. He has conceded the runs with an economy rate of only 6.62 and a good strike rate of 19.20.