The grand finale of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) concluded with a thrilling victory for the Galle Titans, who secured a five-wicket win over the Jaffna Kings to lift their maiden title. Despite a commendable bowling display and two crucial wickets from veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Jaffna failed to defend a modest total at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Jaffna suffered a dramatic collapse under intense pressure from the opposition bowling attack. The batting lineup crumbled entirely, getting bundled out for just 123 runs in 19.3 overs. Chasing a target of 124, the Galle Titans encountered early jitters, losing two wickets with only 10 runs on the board. However, a crucial 64-run partnership for the third wicket between Thomas Rogers and Dinura Kalupahana steadied the chase.
Shakib broke the dangerous stand by dismissing both set batters in the same over, removing Rogers for 34 off 27 balls and Kalupahana for 31 off 19 deliveries to inject renewed hope into the Jaffna camp. Although Galle slipped further to 75 for 4, resilient contributions from the middle order kept them on track. Chamika Karunaratne added 16, Sahan Arachchige chipped in with 14, and captain Dasun Shanaka unleashed a quickfire, unbeaten 20 off just 9 balls to drag his side across the finish line with 25 balls to spare.
Earlier in the innings, Jaffna’s batting woes began right from the outset. Following a shaky start that left them at 31 for 2, fellow Bangladeshi batsman Towhid Hridoy walked to the crease. However, he failed to make a significant impact, managing only 10 runs from 10 balls before falling to Sachindu Colombage.
When Jaffna found themselves reeling at 68 for 5, Shakib arrived at number seven, but he too struggled to anchor the innings, departing for 9 runs off 13 deliveries after being caught off the bowling of Eshan Malinga. Kamil Mishara top-scored for Jaffna with 41 runs, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe added a brisk 24 off 16 balls towards the end to push the total past the 120-run mark. For Galle, Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga wreaked havoc by claiming three wickets apiece.
Shakib delivered an economical and disciplined spell for Jaffna, conceding only 15 runs in his four overs while picking up two vital wickets. Meanwhile, fellow Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan Sohan, who is part of the Galle squad, missed out on selection for the final starting line-up.
Galle skipper Charith Asalanka was named player of the match for his outstanding three-wicket haul, while Jaffna’s Kamil Mishara claimed the tournament’s player of the series award following a stellar campaign with the bat.