Jaffna Stallions win inaugural LPL in style  

LPL final features six players from Richmond College, Galle

Galle Gladiators sensational run in the inaugural Lanka Premier League came to a devastating end in the grand finale against tournament favourites Jaffna Stallions, who crushed their opponents with clinical display. The victory margin of 53 runs told you the story of Jaffna Stallions’ domination in the final.

A lot of thought process had gone in when Jaffna Stallions sat down to pick their squad and it was standing in good stead for them. They are such a formidable outfit that a champion performer like Kyle Abbott was unable to fit in for the finals.  

Jaffna Stallions were cruising posting 51 for one at the end of six overs of Power Play. At that stage, it looked as if they would go onto score something in excess of 200. The introduction of all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan brought Galle Gladiators back into the game. The 22-year-old continued to impress with three wickets.

Captain Thisara Perera evened things out with some big hitting posting 39 off 14 balls. His Strike Rate was a stunning 278!

In the end Jaffna Stallions posted 188 and that was more than enough for their attack to defend.

Galle Gladiators were handicapped by injury to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Their captain picked up a side strain while attempting a catch and when batting he was in pain and particularly had trouble scoring on the off-side. That didn’t stop him from top scoring for his side with his 40 coming off 17 balls with three fours and four sixes.

Galle Gladiators had lost three wickets for just seven runs in ten balls and that derailed their run chase. To make matters worse,  Danushka Gunathilaka, the top run scorer in the competition and Galle’s main match winner was run out after colliding with Suranga Lakmal.

The tournament has had many positives particularly the introduction of several young players who would serve Sri Lankan cricket well moving forward.

A notable aspect in yesterday’s final was that six players from Richmond College, Galle featured in the game. The Jaffna Stallions had  five of them – Suranga Lakmal, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chaturanga de Silva and Dhananjaya de Silva.  The Richmondites seem to have done something right in cricket in recent times.