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Galle Gladiators won their maiden Lanka Premier League (LPL) title after defeating defending champions Jaffna Kings by five wickets in the final, ending Jaffna’s hopes of securing a fourth consecutive championship.
Bangladesh stars Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy featured for Jaffna but failed to make a significant impact with the bat. Shakib scored nine off 13 balls, while Hridoy made 10 off 10.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Jaffna lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs. Kamindu Mendis was their top scorer with 41.
Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga led Galle’s bowling attack, taking three wickets each, while Tharindu Ratnayake claimed two.
Although Shakib struggled with the bat, he impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. His spell briefly revived Jaffna’s hopes of defending the modest total.
Chasing 124, Galle also endured an early setback, losing both openers quickly. However, Thomas Fraser-Rogers and Dinura Kalupahana steadied the innings with a crucial 64-run partnership. Fraser-Rogers scored 34 off 27 balls, while Kalupahana made 31 off 19.
Shakib then struck twice in the same over to put Galle under pressure at 75 for four.
Galle, however, held their nerve and completed the chase in just 15.5 overs, reaching 124 for five to secure their first LPL title.