Colombo, Aug 08 (V7N) – Jaffna Kings' hopes of winning the Lanka Premier League (LPL) title were shattered as Galle defeated them by five wickets in the tournament's final at the R Premadasa Stadium on Saturday (August 8).

Batting first after winning the toss, Jaffna were bowled out for 123 before completing their allotted overs. In reply, Galle reached the target for the loss of five wickets with 25 balls remaining, securing their first LPL title.

The victory ended Galle's long wait for the championship. The franchise had previously reached the final three times without winning the trophy, including defeats against Jaffna in the first two editions and against Galle Marvels in the fifth edition. Galle had also lost to Jaffna in the first qualifier this season before turning the tables in the final.

Jaffna made a promising start, with Avishka Fernando and Kamil Mishara putting together a 25-run opening partnership. Fernando scored 20 from 16 balls before departing, while Khawaja was dismissed without scoring.

Tawhid Hridoy, promoted to No. 3 after his explosive performance in the first qualifier, could not repeat that success in the final. He was dismissed for 10 off 10 balls by Sachindu Colombage.

Mishara provided resistance at one end with a 41-run innings from 32 balls, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellal failed to make significant contributions.

Chamindu Wickramasinghe added 24 from 16 balls late in the innings, helping Jaffna cross the 100-run mark. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan scored 9 runs from 13 balls as Jaffna were eventually bowled out for 123.

Charith Asalanka and Ishan Malinga claimed three wickets each for Galle.

Chasing 124, Galle suffered an early setback, slipping to 10 for 2. However, Thomas Rogers and Dinura Kalupahana steadied the innings with a crucial 64-run partnership for the third wicket. Rogers scored 32, while Kalupahana contributed 31.

Shakib entered the attack in the ninth over and briefly revived Jaffna's hopes, taking two wickets for 15 runs in four overs.

However, Galle remained in control of the chase. With only 21 runs required, captain Dasun Shanaka produced an explosive unbeaten 20 from just nine balls to seal Galle's historic five-wicket victory with 25 deliveries to spare.

Despite strong performances earlier in the tournament, Jaffna Kings could not complete the final step, while Galle finally lifted the LPL trophy after years of near misses.

END/SMA/AJ