Galle Gladiators enter final after beating Jaffna Kings by 64 runs

Galle Gladiators led by Bhanuka Rajapaksa defeated Jaffna Kings by 64 runs in their LPL first qualifier game at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota, yesterday. Chasing a target of 188, Jaffna Kings were bundled out for 124 in 16.5 overs. This was the third time Jaffna Kings lost to Galle Gladiators in this tournament. They have to face against Dambulla Giants in the second qualifier game tomorrow.

Jaffna Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a brisk knock of 59 in 37 balls striking four fours and three sixes while Wanindu Hasaranga stroked 29 in 15 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes, but that was not enough to reach their target. Paceman Nuwan Thushara made a superb 4-over spell capturing 5 for 13, which was his career-best bowling spell, guided Gladiators to the LPL final which is scheduled to be held on December 23. This is the second time Gladiators has entered the final.

Earlier, Galle Gladiators made a pretty strong total of 188 for 5 wickets with openers Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka leading the way by adding 121 runs in 13.2 overs which was the highest first-wicket stand so far in this LPL tournament. They managed to add 61 runs in the first power play (6 overs) which made a solid start to Gladiators.

Mendis scored his career-best T20 innings scoring 85 in 53 balls striking 7 fours and 4 sixes. He was taken out (LBW) to paceman Suranga Lakmal’s yorker ball while Gunathilaka, who completed his fifty by hitting a six over mid-wicket off a delivery by Shoaib Malik. He scored 55 in 42 balls striking six fours and a six. the first breakthrough came in the 13th over which was bowled by skipper Thisara Perera.

Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa once again played his hard-hitting innings of 25 runs in 15 balls with three sixes to finish at a total 188 for 5 wickets which were their best innings total.