Zadran stars, Hridoy’s late Blitz Lifts Jaffna kings past Colombo Kaps

PALLEKELE: Ibrahim Zadran produced a match-winningg performance with the bat as Jaffna Kings defeated Colombo Kaps by 19 runs in the 15th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday

The Afghan opener anchored Jaffna’s innings with a superb knock of 95, while Towhid Hridoy’s explosive late cameo helped the Kings cross the 200-run mark. Colombo’s chase ultimately fell short as Jaffna successfully defended their imposing total to secure another important victory in the tournament.

After being asked to bat first, Jaffna Kings recovered quickly from an early setback to post a formidable 202-5 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Avishka Fernando departed in just the second over, leaving the side searching for stability.

Kamil Mishara and Ibrahim Zadran responded with an aggressive partnership that shifted the momentum back in Jaffna’s favour. Their half-century stand ensured the batting side finished the powerplay in a commanding position and laid a strong platform for the middle order.

Mishara played an entertaining innings, scoring 44 runs from only 19 deliveries. His knock featured five boundaries and two towering sixes, allowing Jaffna to maintain an impressive scoring rate during the opening overs before he was eventually dismissed.

At 68-2 in the eighth over, Dunith Wellalage joined Ibrahim Zadran at the crease. The pair added another valuable partnership, putting together 61 runs for the third wicket to keep the scoreboard moving.

While Wellalage made a useful contribution of 17 runs, Zadran dominated the stand with elegant stroke play all around the ground. The Afghan batter mixed patience with aggression, regularly finding the boundary while rotating the strike effectively.

Zadran looked set for a well-deserved century before his innings came to an unfortunate end in the penultimate over. He was run out after scoring a brilliant 95 off 65 balls, an innings decorated with 12 fours and three sixes. His knock provided the backbone of Jaffna Kings’ innings and placed his side in a commanding position heading into the final overs.

The biggest fireworks, however, came from Towhid Hridoy, who launched a breathtaking assault during the closing stages of the innings. Walking in late, the right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 31 from just nine deliveries, dramatically increasing Jaffna’s total.

Hridoy targeted Pakistan fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani in the final over, collecting 31 runs from the six-ball spell. He struck Dahani for three consecutive sixes before adding another maximum on the final delivery, lifting Jaffna beyond the 200-run mark and giving the bowling unit a significant total to defend.

It proved to be a difficult outing for Dahani, who endured one of the most expensive spells of the tournament. The right-arm pacer conceded 71 runs in his four overs, struggling to contain the Jaffna batters, particularly in the final over.

For Colombo Kaps, New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham was the most successful bowler, finishing with two wickets despite the challenging conditions for the bowling attack.

Jaffna’s batting display, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s composed innings and Hridoy’s explosive finish, proved decisive as Colombo Kaps were unable to match the required scoring rate during their chase. The victory further strengthened Jaffna Kings’ position in the Lanka Premier League standings, while Colombo Kaps were left to reflect on an expensive bowling performance that allowed their opponents to post a match-winning total.