Jaffna Kings produced a stunning batting display to overpower Galle Gallants by 14 runs in a high-scoring Qualifier 1 of the Lanka Premier League 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday, securing their place in the tournament final.

Put into bat after Galle Gallants captain Dasun Shanaka elected to field, Jaffna Kings posted a massive 242 for 2 in 20 overs, their total built around a sensational unbeaten century from wicketkeeper-batter Kamil Mishara.

Mishara played one of the most destructive innings of the tournament, smashing 108 not out off just 55 balls, including 10 fours and seven sixes, at a strike rate of 196.36. He anchored the innings while taking the attack apart with a combination of power hitting and clever stroke play.

After Avishka Fernando fell for 19 off 14 balls, Mishara combined with Khawaja Nafay to rebuild the innings with a crucial partnership. Nafay contributed a fluent 54 off 32 balls with four fours and three sixes before being run out in the 16th over.

Jaffna then finished with a spectacular flourish as Towhid Hridoy smashed an unbeaten 54 off only 21 deliveries, striking five sixes and three fours at a remarkable strike rate of 257.14. His late assault helped Jaffna collect 69 runs in the final five overs and push the score beyond the 240-run mark.

Chasing 243 for victory, Galle Gallants began aggressively but lost wickets at regular intervals. They ended their innings on 228 for 8 in 20 overs, falling short despite several impressive individual efforts.

Opening batter Sam Harper provided early momentum with a quickfire 44 off 21 balls, while Charith Asalanka added 27 off 13 deliveries. Chamika Karunaratne kept Galle in the contest with a powerful 39 off 21 balls, and captain Dasun Shanaka contributed 34 off 19 balls.

Sachindu Colombage gave the innings a late boost with an explosive unbeaten 27 off just nine balls, but the required run rate proved too high in the closing stages.

For Jaffna Kings, fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 32, while Lizaad Williams claimed 2 for 39. Shakib Al Hasan, Dunith Wellalage and Dilshan Madushanka also picked up a wicket each.

The victory sends Jaffna Kings directly into the LPL 2026 final, continuing their strong campaign. Galle Gallants, despite their brave chase, will now have to fight through Qualifier 2 for another chance to reach the title decider.

Chief Scores

Jaffna Kings – 242/2 (20 overs)
Kamil Mishara 108* (55)
Khawaja Nafay 54 (32)
Towhid Hridoy 54* (21)
Avishka Fernando 19 (14)

Bowling:
Mohamed Shiraz 3-0-32-3
Lizaad Williams 4-0-39-2

Galle Gallants – 228/8 (20 overs)
Sam Harper 44 (21)
Chamika Karunaratne 39 (21)
Dasun Shanaka 34 (19)
Charith Asalanka 27 (13)
Sachindu Colombage 27* (9)

Bowling:
Mohamed Shiraz 3/32
Lizaad Williams 2/39

Result: Jaffna Kings won by 14 runs and advanced to the LPL 2026 final.