Galle Gladiators defeated the reigning champions Jaffna Kings by 54 runs in the inaugural match of the Lanka Premier League 2021, played at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After being asked to bat by Jaffna Kings captain Thisara Perera, Galle lost their top three batters cheaply. Last year’s highest run-getter, Danushka Gunathilaka, skied one straight up after scoring 2 fours in the opening over. Kusal Mendis, playing his maiden game for Galle, too skied one up. The Jaffna Kings bowlers were right on top of their game when experienced Mohammad Hafeez fell for 15 as Galle Gladiators were 3 down for just 41 runs.
Gladiators posted a match-winning 164 on the scoreboard. Young West Indian seamer, Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers for Jaffna, taking 3 wickets for 23 runs.
Chasing 164 runs to win, Jaffna Kings had no rhythm whatsoever in their innings as Galle spinners proved to be too strong to push away on a gripping surface. None of the top order batters made more than 15 runs for Jaffna as the Galle spinners had a feast at Khettarama.
England all-rounder Samit Patel contributed with the bowl as well, capturing 3 wickets for 21 runs in his 4-over spell. Skipper Rajapaksa rotated his spinners well as Kings were bowled out for just 110 runs. Wahab Riaz, the Abu Dhabi T10 championship-winning captain, batting at number 8 made some lusty blows, scoring 27 off 20 balls. However, it was too little, too late for Jaffna as they succumbed to their first-ever defeat at the hands of Galle. Jaffna Kings (formerly Jaffna Stallions) won all their 3 fixtures against Galle Gladiators last season.
On the second matchday, today (6th December), Dambulla Giants will play Kandy Warriors in the afternoon (3.00 pm local time) and Colombo Stars will take on Galle Gladiators in the evening (7.30 pm local time).
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