Anchor Jaffna Kings End Galle Hoodoo to Seal LPL Final Spot

Vaibhav Tripathi, Colombo

Before Qualifier 1, Galle Gallants had the upper hand over Anchor Jaffna Kings, having defeated the defending champions twice during the league stage. However, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Jaffna proved why they are the most successful team by ending their losing streak against Galle with a 14-run victory. Jaffna have now booked their place in the LPL 2026 final, while Galle will play in Qualifier 2 in an attempt to set up a rematch with Jaffna in the title clash.

At the forefront of the victory was the in-form Kamil Mishara, who struck an unbeaten 108 off 55 deliveries to propel his team to a match-winning total of 242.

Mishara lost his opening partner, Avishka Fernando, early, but that didn’t deter him as he looked determined to produce a big innings in a crucial match for his side. The left-hander found an able partner in Khawaja Nafay, who scored a fine 54, with the pair adding 138 runs for the second wicket.

Mishara doesn’t look like a batter who relies on hitting towering sixes, but he struck seven maximums, all of which were a delight to watch. His ability to manoeuvre the field was the standout feature of his innings.

Towhid Hridoy made life easier for a tiring Mishara in the slog overs. The Bangladesh batter smashed a fiery unbeaten 54 off just 21 balls, and his innings ultimately proved to be the difference.

Galle made a flying start to the chase, smashing 81 runs in the first six overs. As long as Sam Harper and Charith Asalanka, two of Galle’s leading run-scorers this season, were at the crease, it seemed the Dasun Shanaka-led side could chase the target down. However, once both batters were dismissed, the rest of the batting line-up failed to offer much resistance.

For Jaffna, Mohamed Shiraz was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 3/32 from his four overs. The rest of the bowling attack also kept a lid on the scoring rate, ensuring the required run rate continued to climb beyond Galle’s reach.

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