Colombo, July 17 – Charith Asalanka produced a captain’s knock with the bat before Eshan Malinga ripped through the opposition with the ball as Galle Gallants opened their Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 campaign with a convincing 36-run victory over Jaffna Kings at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Friday.
After being asked to bat first, the Gallants posted an imposing 213 for 6 before dismissing Jaffna Kings for 177 in 19.4 overs.
Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his superb 65 off 38 deliveries, an innings laced with seven fours and three sixes. He anchored the middle overs after the Gallants made a brisk start through Australian wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper.
Harper smashed 40 off just 19 balls, striking eight boundaries and a six, helping the Gallants race to 43 before becoming one of two quick wickets. Lasith Croospulle departed cheaply, but Asalanka steadied the innings alongside Mehidy Hasan Miraz and later Sahan Arachchige.
Although Miraz managed only 10, Arachchige chipped in with an enterprising 35 off 24 balls, adding an important partnership with Asalanka that laid the platform for a late assault.
Gallants skipper Dasun Shanaka then provided the finishing flourish with a breathtaking 31 not out from only nine balls, clearing the ropes three times and striking at over 344. Mohammad Nawaz also played his part with a rapid 21 off nine deliveries as the Gallants plundered 58 runs in the final four overs to finish on 213.
Jaffna Kings’ bowling effort was led by Lizaad Williams and veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who claimed two wickets apiece. Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer, conceding just 10 runs in his three overs while picking up the wicket of Croospulle.
Chasing 214, Jaffna Kings began positively through Avishka Fernando and Kamil Mishara, who added 63 for the opening wicket inside six overs. Mishara struck 28 off 14 balls while Avishka made 34 from 21 deliveries, giving the Kings early momentum.
However, the innings unravelled rapidly after the breakthrough.
Eshan Malinga triggered the collapse with a superb spell that accounted for four key wickets. He removed Avishka, Ibrahim Zadran, Nuwanidu Fernando and Traveen Mathew to finish with figures of 4 for 26 from 3.4 overs.
Charith Asalanka also made an impact with the ball by dismissing Jaffna captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa, while Akif Javed claimed two wickets, including the important scalp of David Wiese.
Dunith Wellalage fought back with a spirited 40 off 24 balls, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe entertained with a quickfire 24 off 10 deliveries after coming in as the impact player. But with wickets falling regularly at the other end, Jaffna never seriously threatened the target.
The Kings were eventually bowled out for 177 with two balls remaining, handing Galle Gallants a comprehensive opening victory and two valuable points.
The result gives the Gallants an ideal start to their LPL 2026 campaign, with both their batting depth and bowling attack making strong statements in the tournament opener. For Jaffna Kings, the defeat highlighted concerns in both their middle-order batting and death bowling as they look to bounce back in their next outing.
Match Summary
🏏 Galle Gallants – 213/6 (20 overs)
⭐ Charith Asalanka 65 (38), Sam Harper 40 (19), Dasun Shanaka 31* (9)
🏏 Jaffna Kings – 177 all out (19.4 overs)
⭐ Dunith Wellalage 40, Avishka Fernando 34
🎯 Eshan Malinga 4 wickets, Akif Javed 2 wickets
Result: Galle Gallants won by 36 runs.
🏅 Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka.
