Jaffna Kings made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle by defeating the previously unbeaten Galle Titans in Match No.7 of the Lanka Premier League 2023. The match took place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on 4 August.
Galle Titans Skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bat first. Sticking with the same XI, the Titans faced off against the Kings, who made two changes – introducing Andre Burger and Nuwan Thushara in place of Hardus Viljeon and Dilshan Madushanka.
The opening duo of Shevon Daniel and Lasith Croospulle struggled to provide a solid start. The Kings’ mystery spinner, Maheesh Theekshana claimed the initial breakthrough by dismissing the right-handed Daniel for 19.
Sensing an opportunity with two left-handers at the crease during the powerplay, Skipper Perera introduced part-time off-spinner Charith Asalanka.
Asalanka’s strategy paid off, as he quickly accounted for the dangerous Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who departed for a golden duck after hitting straight to David Miller at mid-on. Daniel and Tim Seifert managed to add 34 runs for the 3rd wicket before Dunith Wellalage removed Daniel for a run-a-ball 25, with Miller taking a well-judged catch near the boundary rope. Seifert fell victim to Wellalage as well, trapped in front of the stumps for 18.
Galle Titans struggled to maintain stability, losing wickets at regular intervals due to disciplined bowling from the Kings. Skipper Dasun Shanaka top-scored for the Titans, contributing 30 off 24 deliveries, including two 4s and two 6s. They posted a modest total of 117/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
In the bowling department, Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer, registering his best LPL figures of 4/10 in four overs. Nandre Burger also made an impact with 2/15, while Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nuwan Thushara shared the remaining three wickets.
Chasing the target, Jaffna Kings’ openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Charith Asalanka had a tough start, with Shakib Al Hasan dismissing Asalanka for just 5 runs. The left-hander was trapped in front, leaving Gurbaz and Towhid Hridoy to take centre stage.
Gurbaz and Hridoy showcased a brilliant display of ball striking, propelling Gurbaz to become the fourth leading run-scorer in LPL history, surpassing Danushka Gunathilake’s tally of 702 runs. The pair combined for an impressive 83-run partnership off 52 balls.
After reaching his sixth LPL fifty, Gurbaz was stumped by Shakib Al Hasan, departing with a well-played 54 off 39 deliveries, including three 4s and five 6s. Hridoy and David Miller then efficiently guided Jaffna Kings to victory, chasing down the target in just 12.4 overs. Hridoy concluded the match in style with a couple of massive sixes, finishing unbeaten on 44 off 23 balls, featuring two 4s and four 6s.
Shakib was the sole successful bowler for the Titans, finishing with figures of 2/31 in four overs. This win propelled the defending champions to the top spot on the LPL points table, overtaking the Galle Titans.