In a spectacular display of power hitting, the Jaffna Kings went on to clinch their fourth Lanka Premier League (LPL) title in five seasons with a resounding 9 wicket victory over the Galle Marvels. The final, held at the Khettarama Stadium, was further highlighted by a mesmerizing 500-drone light show that illuminated the night sky.
Winning the toss, the Jaffna Kings chose to bowl first, a decision that proved pivotal.
The Galle Marvels posted a competitive total of 184 for 6 in their 20 overs. Initially, they found themselves in trouble at 24 with the loss of star batters Niroshan Dickwella, Alex Hales, and Janith Liyanage, all back in the hut by the 7th over. However, a face-saving partnership of 62 runs off 32 deliveries between Tim Seifert (47 runs) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa set the tone for the Marvels to reach a strong score.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s Classy Knock
After Seifert’s departure, Rajapaksa took control of proceedings in the middle and was in a class of his own whilst demonstrating both power and finesse as he sent the ball to all corners of the ground. Known for his exceptional performances in crucial finals, Rajapaksa was a delight to watch in full swing. His trademark lofted cover drives for six, deft touches past point, and flicks of the wrists that sent the ball sailing over on the on side over mid-wicket, deep square leg, and fine leg were all on display. In total, he effortlessly hit six deliveries over the boundary and also executed eight powerful fours in his knock of total dominance. His innings eventually ended when he was yorked and bowled off the last delivery of the 19th over, but not before smashing 82 runs off 34 balls after entering the crease in the 7th over.
For the Jaffna Kings, Asita Fernando led the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 35 runs. Jason Behrendorff also made a significant impact, claiming 2 wickets for just 18 runs, and Azmatullah Omarzai took one wicket.
The Kings’ chase began in a disastrous manner when off the very first delivery Pathum Nissanka knicked one off Dwaine Pretorius to wicket keeper Niroshan Dickwella. Despite staying his ground and umpire Kumara Dharmasena being unmoved, the referral asked for by the fielding side revealed a reasonable spike off the bat which forced Dharmasena to reverse his decision as the dejected batter walked back to the dugout.
However, Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis took charge thereafter, and in a clinical display of pure timing and power hitting combined with grace and class, recorded the Jaffna King’s second highest 2nd wicket partnership as the duo ensured that the scorers were not to be troubled further as they took their team to victory with 29 balls to spare.
The duo chased down the 185-run target off a mere 93 deliveries whilst striking 9 sixes and 17 fours between themselves and with Rossouw maintaining a strike rate of 200 and Mendis 180.
It should also be noted that it was a nightmarish effort for the Galle Marvels bowlers to contain these two talented batters as the evening dew that settled in during the change of innings made the conditions significantly more favorable for the batters, as the ball came onto the bat more easily and became a tad difficult for the bowlers to grip. Four bowlers, namely Isuru Udana, Janith Liyanage, Prabhath Jayasuriya, and Sahan Arachchige, were taken to the cleaners whilst being dispatched to all parts of the park, eventually conceding 14, 15, 16, and 20 runs per over, respectively.
The night was capped with a dazzling drone show, featuring 500 drones that created a colorful spectacle in the sky, celebrating the Jaffna Kings’ triumph in style.
This victory cements the Jaffna Kings’ dominance in the LPL’s history so far, adding another impressive chapter to their recent successes.
LPL 2024 Tournament Director – Samantha Dodanwela
The LPL 2024 Tournament Director, speaking to The Morning Telegraph, said, “It was a magnificent tournament where every person responsible played their part to perfection. A special thanks to the SLC Executive Committee and staff, the LPL 2024 organizing committee, the franchise owners, the sponsors, the ground staff, the media, and the spectators for supporting this magnificent tournament. The quality of cricket displayed was very encouraging, and no doubt this tournament has grown from strength to strength over the years. We are also grateful to Priyanga De Silva, the franchise owner of Dambulla Sixers, for the great CSR initiative in helping raise funds and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness through this tournament. Honestly, I am delighted overall and currently short of words to express my gratitude to everyone.”
Jaffna King’s Skipper Charith Asalanka’s Elation:
“It’s an amazing feeling to lift the trophy as a first-time captain in the LPL. It’s all about professional, individual performances. My players, being professionals, managed themselves and adjusted to the conditions perfectly. Regarding Rossouw and Mendis, their batting was outstanding. Despite losing the first wicket on the first ball, Rilee and Kusal were incredible. I also want to thank the fans for their unwavering support for the Jaffna team throughout the season.”
Galle Marvel’s Skipper Niroshan Dickwella’s Reflection:
“It was a great campaign over these 21 days, and I’m really proud of my boys. Today, after losing the toss, I didn’t mind batting first, but we misread the wicket, and they bowled exceptionally well in the first powerplay. Bhanuka’s unbelievable performance gave us a chance. We started well with the ball, but then it was a disaster. The 45-minute break between innings brought dew, which settled the wicket. I have plenty of fond memories, both on and off the field. I want to thank the owners, support staff, SLC, IPG, and everyone who helped make this tournament great.”
Player of the Match and Series Rilee Rossouw’s Triumph:
Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, Rilee Rossouw, scored 106 off 53 today, amassing 389 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 173.66, including two centuries. “There’s not much to say; I just played one ball at a time. Credit also to Kusal for his superb knock, striking at 200 in a high-pressure situation. Regarding the tiff with Bhanuka, it definitely spurred me on. People who know me don’t abuse me, but it’s part of the game, making it interesting and entertaining. Hopefully, it inspires the rest of the team. Winning the tournament was our goal from the start, and this team has been incredible from game one. I’m just happy to be on the winning side.”
Awards and Recognitions:
- Emerging Player of the Tournament: Chamindu Wickramasinghe of Dambulla Sixers
- Red Cap (Highest Wicket-Taker): Shadab Khan with 17 wickets
- Pink Cap (Highest Run-Scorer): Tim Seifert with 400 runs
- Catch of the Match: Dhananjaya de Silva for his effort to dismiss Alex Hales
Chief Scores :-
Galle Marvels :- 184/6 (Bhanuka Rajapaksha 82(34), Tim Seifert 47(37), Sahan arachchige 16(14) – Asitha Fernando 35-3, Jason Behrendorff 18-2)
Jaffana Kings :- 185/1 (15.4) (Rilee Rossouw 106(53), Kusal Mendis 72(40) – Dwaine Pretorius 18-1)
