Shakib, Hridoy fall short as Jaffna lose LPL final to Galle

Hopes were high among Bangladesh cricket fans that Jaffna Kings would lift the Lanka Premier League (LPL) title after reaching the final, especially with Bangladesh stars Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy in the side. 

However, those hopes were dashed as Galle Gladiators secured a comfortable five-wicket victory in the final.

Winning the toss while batting, Jaffna Kings struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for just 123 in 19.3 overs. Only four of their batters managed to reach double figures.

Opener Kamil Mishara top-scored with 41, while Avishka Fernando contributed 20. Towhid Hridoy came to the crease after the second wicket fell and began positively with a boundary, but he was dismissed for 10 while attempting a big shot against Sachindu Colombage.

Shakib, coming in at No. 7, scored just nine runs. Chamindu Wickramasinghe added a quick 24 off 16 balls, but Jaffna could not recover from their batting collapse.

Galle Gladiators made light work of the modest target, reaching it with five wickets in hand. Thomas Rogers top-scored with 34 off 27 balls before being dismissed by Shakib. Shakib then removed Dinura Kalupahana, who had scored 31 off 19 deliveries, but his two wickets were not enough to turn the final in Jaffna's favour.

Sahan Arachchige remained unbeaten on 14, while captain Dasun Shanaka finished unbeaten on 20 to guide Galle home.

Charith Asalanka was named Player of the Match after an outstanding bowling performance, taking three wickets for just 20 runs.

Galle Gladiators' dominant chase ensured that Jaffna Kings' title dream ended in disappointment, leaving Shakib and Hridoy without the LPL championship.