Galle Gallants started their Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 campaign on a high note with an impressive victory over Jaffna Kings in the opening match of the tournament played yesterday (17th July) at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
After being asked to bat first, Galle Gallants posted a formidable total of 213 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, powered by a brilliant knock from No. 3 batter Charith Asalanka.
Asalanka led the charge with a sensational 65 runs off just 38 deliveries, striking 7 fours and 3 sixes to provide the backbone of the Gallants’ innings. Opening batter Sam Harper chipped in with a valuable 40 runs, while Sahan Arachchige contributed a crucial 35-run knock to keep the scoreboard moving.
Captain Dasun Shanaka provided the perfect finish to the innings with a blistering cameo, smashing 31 runs off only 9 balls at an incredible strike rate of 344.44. His knock included 2 fours and 3 sixes, helping Galle Gallants cross the 200-run mark.
For Jaffna Kings, Lizaad Williams and Piyush Chawla were the most successful bowlers, claiming two wickets each.
Chasing 214 for victory, Jaffna Kings struggled to maintain the required momentum and managed to score 177 runs in their 20 overs.
Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer with the bat for Jaffna Kings, scoring 40 runs off 24 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes. However, the target proved beyond reach as the Gallants’ bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
The speedster Eshan Malinga delivered a match-winning spell for Galle Gallants, claiming 4 wickets for just 26 runs to derail the Jaffna Kings chase.
Brief Scores
Galle Gallants – 213/6 (20) Charith Asalanka 65, Sam Harper 40, Sahan Arachchige 35, Dasun Shanaka 31*, Mohammad Nawaz 21, Lizaad Williams 2/28, Piyush Chawla 2/43
Jaffna Kings – 177 (19.4) Dunith Wellalage 40, Avishka Fernando 34, Kamil Mishara 28, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 24, Eshan Malinga 4/26, Akif Javed 2/31
Result – Galle Gallants won by 36 runs
 2026 campaign on a high note with an impressive victory over Jaffna Kings in the opening match of the tournament played yesterday (17th July) at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.){kind=link}