Colombo: Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga produced a devastating bowling display as Galle Gallants secured their maiden Lanka Premier League title with a five-wicket victory over Jaffna Kings in a low-scoring final at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.
Galle chased down Jaffna’s modest 124-run target in 15.5 overs, finishing on 126 for five with 25 balls to spare and bringing the franchise its first LPL championship.
The foundation for the victory was laid by the Galle bowling attack, led by Asalanka and Malinga. The pair claimed three wickets each to dismantle Jaffna’s batting line-up, particularly during the middle overs.
Asalanka finished with excellent figures of 3 for 20, while Malinga returned 3 for 25. Tharindu Rathnayake also made an important contribution with two wickets for 14 runs as Jaffna were bowled out for 123.
Kamil Mishara provided the main resistance for Jaffna, scoring 41 from 32 deliveries. However, the Kings struggled to build partnerships after losing wickets at regular intervals. Chamindu Wickramasinghe added 25 from 16 balls, but Jaffna could not generate the momentum required in a final.
Malinga’s dismissal of Mishara in the 13th over effectively ended Jaffna’s hopes of posting a competitive total. His three-wicket haul also took his tournament tally to 17 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker of LPL 2026.
Galle’s chase suffered an early setback when Sam Harper was dismissed in the opening over, but Tom Rogers steadied the innings with an attacking 34 from 27 balls.
The Kings briefly threatened to make a contest of the chase when Shakib Al Hasan struck twice in the ninth over, removing Rogers and Dinura Kalupahana, who had made a valuable 31 from 19 deliveries. Chamika Karunaratne also departed soon afterwards.
But Galle remained composed. Dasun Shanaka and Sahan Arachchige guided the Gallants through the remaining overs without allowing the required run rate to become a concern.
The victory capped a memorable campaign for Galle, who had come close to the title before but finally delivered when it mattered most.
For Jaffna Kings, it was a disappointing end to their campaign, while Galle Gallants celebrated a historic night as the LPL champions for the first time.
