Galle Gallants were crowned champions of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after defeating Jaffna Kings by five wickets in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama. Jaffna Kings won the toss and opted to bat first, but their decision did not pay off as Galle’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance to dismiss them for just 123 in 19.3 overs. Charith Asalanka starred with the ball and was later named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.

Charith Asalanka’s impressive bowling pack Jaffna Kings at a below-par total

Jaffna’s innings got off to a reasonable start, with Kamil Mishara and Avishka Fernando putting together useful runs at the top. Fernando scored 20 off 16 balls, including two fours and a six, while Mishara provided the innings’ biggest contribution with a patient 41 off 32 deliveries. His knock contained five boundaries and kept Jaffna’s innings moving during the early stages.

However, Jaffna struggled badly once the opening partnership was broken. Khawaja Nafay was dismissed without scoring, while Towhid Hridoy managed only 10 from 10 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage also failed to provide momentum, scoring three runs apiece. Shakib Al Hasan contributed nine from 13 deliveries before departing, leaving Jaffna in serious trouble.

Chamindu Wickramasinghe offered some late resistance with a 16-ball 24, including two fours and a six. However, the lower order could not add enough runs and Jaffna were bowled out for 123 with three balls remaining in their innings. Asalanka was the pick of the Galle attack, finishing with impressive figures of 3/20 from four overs. Eshan Malinga also claimed three wickets for 25 runs, while Tharindu Ratnayake returned 2/14 from 3.3 overs. Akif Javed and Sachindu Colombage took one wicket each to complete a dominant bowling effort.

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Galle Gallants overcome early setbacks in chase

Galle’s chase did not begin smoothly as Sam Harper was dismissed for one and Asalanka fell for just two. Thomas Fraser Rogers then steadied the innings with a 27-ball 34, hitting five fours. Dinura Kalupahana added valuable momentum with 31 from 19 deliveries, striking six boundaries and keeping Galle firmly in the hunt.

Jaffna fought back through Traveen Mathews and Shakib Al Hasan. Mathews picked up two wickets for 15 runs, while Shakib also claimed two wickets at the same cost. Their spells briefly gave Jaffna hope of defending the modest total. However, Galle’s middle and lower order ensured there was no late collapse. Chamika Karunaratne scored 16 from 17 balls before Sahan Arachchige contributed 14. Dasun Shanaka then produced the decisive finish, smashing an unbeaten 20 off just nine deliveries, with two fours and a six.

Galle reached 126/5 in only 15.5 overs, completing a five-wicket victory and lifting the LPL 2026 trophy. Despite Jaffna Kings falling short in the final, Mishara was rewarded for his impressive tournament by being named Player of the Series. His 41-run knock was also Jaffna’s highest score in the final. Asalanka, meanwhile, was adjudged Player of the Match after his match-defining 3/20 with the ball. His performance helped Galle Gallants restrict Jaffna to a below-par total before their batters completed a successful chase. The victory capped a memorable campaign for Galle Gallants, who held their nerve when it mattered most to become champions of the LPL 2026.

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