Galle Gallants (GG) launched their Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 journey with a dominant showing against Jaffna Kings (JK) at the SSC Ground in Colombo on Thursday, July 17. After a formidable batting effort produced a huge total, the Gallants delivered an excellent bowling performance to claim a comfortable win in the tournament’s opening match.
Charith Asalanka shines as Galle Gallants cross 200
Sent in to bat first, Galle Gallants compiled an imposing 213/6 in 20 overs. Charith Asalanka laid the foundation with a superb 65 off 38 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes to anchor the middle overs.
Sam Harper gave an explosive start with 40 from 19 deliveries, and Sahan Arachchige added a useful 35 off 24 balls to keep the momentum. Mohammad Nawaz contributed 21 runs before captain Dasun Shanaka finished in style.
The skipper remained unbeaten on 31 from just nine balls, including two fours and three sixes, pushing Galle beyond 200. For Jaffna Kings, Lizaad Williams and Piyush Chawla took two wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage was economical with 10 runs from three overs.
Eshan Malinga leads clinical bowling performance
Set 214 to win, Jaffna Kings began well but lost wickets regularly without building partnerships. Wellalage resisted with 40 off 24, Avishka Fernando made 34, and Kamil Mishara hit a quick 28 from 14. Chamindu Wickramasinghe chipped in with 24 off 10, yet no batter turned a start into a decisive knock.
Galle’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Eshan Malinga the standout. The right-arm pacer took 4/26, breaking the lineup at key moments. Akif Javed supported with 2/31 as the required rate climbed. Jaffna Kings were bowled out for 177 in 19.4 overs, giving Galle a 36-run victory to open LPL 2026 in style.
Galle Marvels started their #LPL2026 campaign with a win against Jaffna Kings #Cricket #GalleMarvels pic.twitter.com/1LmSeKSBqR
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 18, 2026
