Galle Gallants go top with 60-run win over Jaffna Kings in LPL 2026

Sahan Arachchige’s fifty, backed by a resounding bowling effort, powered Galle Gallants to a 60-run victory over Jaffna Kings in the 10th fixture of the Lanka Premier League 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday. Set a daunting 194, Kings were bowled out for 133 in 17.5 overs.

Tharindu Ratnayake tore through Jaffna Kings’ batting lineup, leaving them at 50-5 at the end of the powerplay. Kamil Mishara scored 15 while Avishka Fernando managed only six. Seasoned batter Shakib Al Hasan was castled without scoring, while Ibrahim Zadran made 11 before holding out to deep square leg. David Wiese and Dunith Wellalage tried to arrest the slide with a 39-run stand, but Wiese departed after scoring 27 from 20 balls. Kings slipped from 89-6 to 99-8 in 12.3 overs. Wellalage resisted with a half-century and eventually emerged as the top scorer with 56 off 39 balls, hitting four fours and sixes. For Gallants, Eshan Malinga and Tharindu Ratnayake remained impressive with the ball, both picking up three wickets.

Earlier, Arachchige’s gutsy half-century and Mohammad Nawaz’s cameo propelled Galle Gallants to a strong total. Asked to bat first, Gallants racked up 193-8 in 20 overs despite a jittery start. They slipped to 16-2 and then 86-5 at the halfway mark. Chris Lynn remained the bright spot in the top order, scoring 46 off 22 balls, including four sixes and three fours. With the side in dire trouble at 110-6 in 14.1 overs, Nawaz and Arachchige added 68 off just 30 balls to put Gallants into a strong position. Arachchige hit 63 from 36 balls, including three sixes and four fours, while Nawaz contributed 27 from 16 deliveries, with the aid of two sixes and two fours. Lizaad Williams and Dilshan Madushanka shared four wickets between them.

Earlier in the day, Colombo Kaps secured a 23-run win over Kandy Royals in the ninth match played at the same venue. Set 193, Kandy Royals fell short and could only manage 169-8 in 20 overs. Skipper Angelo Mathews top-scored with 53 off 39 balls, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Kaps’ total. The results have shaken up the LPL standings, with Galle Gallants moving to the top of the table. The tournament continues to provide thrilling cricketing action, with teams battling for supremacy in the competitive league. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures as the race for the playoffs intensifies. The win for Galle Gallants highlights their strong form and depth in both batting and bowling, making them a formidable side in the competition. As the LPL progresses, the performances of players like Arachchige and Ratnayake will be crucial for their team’s success. The league has showcased the talent of Sri Lankan and international players, contributing to the growth of cricket in the region.