In a final game, it’s always wise to bat first. Jaffna followed it too. Avishka Fernando & Johnson Charles gave a blistering start. Once I looked like they are aiming for 200+ score. It was again D Lakshan who draw the first blood by removing Charles. Avishka & newcomer C Asalanka got out in succession.
The most experienced Campaigner Shoaib Malik joined hands with Dhananjaya De Silva. They put a fabulous partnership of 69 runs. Malik scored a sublime 46. Skipper Thisara Perera went aggressive from ball one. He played a belligerent knock of 39 off just 14. They set up a daunting target of 189. Which is very tough to get on any day.
Jaffna Bowlers wrecked havoc on Galle’s top order. Dhananjaya and Lakmal removed Hazrat Zazai & Ahsan Ali in successive overs.Top run getter Gunathilaka had a unfortunate day as he was ran out by Perera for just one run. Bhanuka Rajapaksha (40) & Azam Khan (35) counter attacked but got no support from others. In the end, they made a paltry score of 135.
Jaffna Bowlers were incredible with the Ball. Once again, Malik lead from the front by picking up two crucial Wickets. Galle didn’t batted with real intent. Their bowling woes carried into their Batting too. Jaffna were too good to them. Here we go, Jaffna Stallions has been crowned as the inaugural champions of Lanka Premier League 2020.
