Jaffna Kings fell short in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) final as Galle Gallants secured their maiden title with a five-wicket victory, despite a disciplined double-wicket spell from Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan.
Electing to bat after winning the toss at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Jaffna Kings collapsed under sustained pressure from Galle’s bowling attack. Jaffna were dismissed for a modest 123 in 19.3 overs. Galle Gallants chased down the 124-run target with comfort, reaching the finish line with five wickets and 25 balls to spare.
Jaffna’s batting order faltered early in the contest, tumbling to 31 for two before Bangladeshi batter Towhid Hridoy arrived at the crease. Hridoy managed just 10 runs off 10 balls before falling to Sachindu Colombage. With the innings reeling at 68 for five, Shakib entered at number seven but could not arrest the slide, departing for nine runs off 13 balls after miscuing a delivery from Eshan Malinga.
Kamil Mishara top-scored for Jaffna with 41 runs, whilst Chamindu Wickramasinghe contributed a brisk 24 off 16 balls late in the innings. Galle captain Charith Asalanka and pacer Eshan Malinga dismantled Jaffna’s lineup, taking three wickets apiece.
Galle’s run chase endured an early setback, losing two quick wickets for just 10 runs. Thomas Rogers and Dinura Kalupahana then stabilized the innings with a pivotal 64-run partnership for the third wicket.
Shakib briefly reignited Jaffna’s hopes by removing both set batters in a single over, dismissing Rogers for 34 off 27 balls and Kalupahana for 31 off 19 deliveries. Despite Galle slipping to 75 for four, their middle order held firm. Chamika Karunaratne scored 16, Sahan Arachchige added 14, and Dasun Shanaka sealed the victory with an unbeaten 20 off nine balls.
Shakib finished with outstanding bowling figures of two wickets for 15 runs in his four overs. Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan, who was part of Galle’s squad, did not feature in the playing XI for the final.
Charith Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his decisive three-wicket haul, while Jaffna’s Kamil Mishara earned the Player of the Tournament award following a stellar season with the bat.
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