Galle Gallants Win Maiden LPL Title After Defeating Jaffna Kings in Low-Scoring Final

Galle Gallants secured their first-ever Lanka Premier League (LPL) title after defeating Jaffna Kings by five wickets in a low-scoring final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Chasing a modest target of 124, Gallants reached 126 for five in 15.5 overs, with 25 balls to spare. Tom Rogers played a crucial role with a composed 34 off 27 balls, while Dasun Shanaka and Sahan Arachchige guided their side home after a brief middle-order wobble.

Earlier, Jaffna Kings were bowled out for 123, with Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga sharing six wickets between them. Asalanka claimed 3 for 20, while Malinga returned figures of 3 for 25 to dismantle the Kings' middle order.

Kamil Mishara was Jaffna's top scorer, making 41 off 32 balls before Malinga ended his innings in the 13th over. Chamindu Wickramasinghe provided some late resistance with a brisk 25 off 16 balls, but the Kings struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings.

Ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake also played a key role with the ball, taking 2 for 14 as Gallants kept Jaffna under sustained pressure.

Malinga's three-wicket haul also took his tournament tally to 17 wickets, putting him at the top of the LPL wickets chart. He finished the competition with an economy rate of 9.32.

Gallants' chase got off to a difficult start when Sam Harper was dismissed in the opening over. Rogers, however, steadied the innings and ensured the required run rate remained under control.

Jaffna briefly fought back in the ninth over when Shakib Al Hasan struck twice, removing Rogers and Dinura Kalupahana, who had scored a valuable 31 off 19 balls. Chamika Karunaratne also departed soon afterwards, giving the Kings renewed hope.

However, Shanaka and Arachchige held their nerve and completed the chase to seal a historic five-wicket victory for Galle Gallants.

The triumph marked a landmark moment for Gallants, who lifted their maiden LPL trophy after producing a disciplined bowling performance and a composed chase in the final.