LPL 2026: Galle Gallants beat Jaffna Kings to clinch maiden Lanka Premier League title

Galle Gallants were crowned champions of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) for the first time in their history after beating defending champions Jaffna Kings by five wickets in the LPL 2026 final on Saturday, August 8 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Eshan Malinga (3/25) and Charith Asalanka (3/20) set up the platform for Galle’s comfortable victory, helping bundle out Jaffna for 123 after their captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa opted to bat first in the big final.

Chasing a modest target, Thomas Fraser Rogers (34 off 27), Dinura Kaluphana (31 off 19) and captain Dasun Shanaka (20* off 9) ensured there were no hurdles in their run chase, taking their team over the line in just 15.5 overs.

Captain Shanaka finished the chase in remarkable fashion, whacking Lizaad Williams for a boundary, followed by a colossal six to seal Galle’s historic maiden triumph after falling short thrice in the final.

Galle had the worst possible start to their run chase, losing Sam Harper (1 off 2) and Charith Asalanka (2 off 3) in the first two overs for just ten runs on the board.

Charith Asalanka named Player of the Match

However, Dinura Kalupahana (31 off 19) and Thomas Fraser Rogers (34 off 27) stitched a 64-run stand off 41 balls for the third wicket to calm the nerves in the dressing room. In the end, Shanaka played a captain’s cameo to seal victory for his team.

Charith Asalanka was adjudged Player of the Match for his terrific three-wicket haul. He removed Khawaja Nafay, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage to leave Jaffna reeling at 68/5 after 11 overs.

On the other hand, Kamil Mishara was adjudged Player of the Tournament for scoring 411 runs from nine innings at an average of 51.37 and a strike rate of 165.06 with one hundred and as many fifties to his name.