Jaffna Kings Make Waves with Lanka Premier League Victory

Jaffna Kings defeated Galle Marvels in a one-sided final played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a good total 184 Jaffna batters played tremendous cricket and chased it down in just 15.4 overs losing just 1 wicket and becoming the champions of the 5th season of Lanka Premier League.

Jaffna Kings Bowlers rampaged

Jaffna skipper Asalanka was lucky at the toss in the final and with no hesitation opted to bowl first. His bowlers proved him right by bowling in the right areas and as a result both Galle openers were back in the pavilion in the 4th over. Galle only managed to score 21 runs in the powerplay.

Asitha Fernando gave another strike he dismissed Janith Liyange in the 7th over and Galle was looming at 24/3 after 7 overs. After the 7th over finally, a partnership started to build for Galle and runs started coming quickly. Tim Siefert and Rajapaksa both were looking good Galle was steady at 85/3 after 12 overs. Asitha again came to the rescue of Jaffna he dismissed Siefert in the 13th over after a well-made 47.

Rajapaksa’s Support

After Siefert’s dismissal, Rajapaksa took matters into his hands and showed his class. He started hitting them all over and as a result score reached 172 after 19 overs. He was dismissed for a well-made 82 in just 34 balls hitting 8 fours and 6 sixes. Galle managed to score 184 after 20 overs. Jason Behrend off was the pick of the bowlers taking 2 wickets for just 18 runs. Asitha Fernando also took 3 wickets.

Riley to the rescue:

Chasing 185 in a final could always be tricky but Jaffna batters were in for an early finish. Jaffna had the worst possible start with Nissanka getting out on the first delivery of the inning and Jaffna was on backfoot straightway. But from there it was all Jaffna show with Riley Rossouw and Kusal Mendis showing the crowd some batting class. They both scored 63 in the first 6 overs the and game started settling in their favour. They kept scoring and they chased down the total in just 15.4 overs. Riley scored a superb century scoring 106* hitting 9 fours and 7 sixes. Kusal Mendis also remained not out at 72.

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Top show by Riley Rossouw:

This edition of the Lanka Premier League belonged to Riley Rossouw. The South African left-hander played brilliantly throughout the league. He played a match-winning knock in the final and was also declared the player of the series for his 389 runs this season.

Tim Seifert was awarded the Pink Cap for scoring the most runs in the league. He scored 400 runs in 10 Innings.

Shadab Khan won the Red Cap for picking up 17 wickets this season.

Chamindu Wickramasinghe was named as the Emerging player of this edition.