Galle Gallants and Jaffna Kings meet in Qualifier 1 of Lanka Premier League 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, with the winner moving closer to the final.
Galle arrive in strong form after a 13-run win over Colombo Kaps to end the league stage. Batting first they made 201/6, then dismissed Colombo for 188 in 19.4 overs. Charith Asalanka made 58 from 37 balls and was Player of the Match, Sahan Arachchige scored 43 off 29, Sam Harper 28 off 16, and Dasun Shanaka (21* off 8) and Mohammad Nawaz (7* off 4) finished strongly. Nawaz also took 3/24, while Akif Javed and Eshan Malinga each took two wickets.
Jaffna Kings topped the league standings. Their last match against Dambulla Sixers was washed out after Dambulla made 203/8, in which Dilshan Madushanka took 3/32 and Dunith Wellalage 2/24. Before that they beat Kandy Royals by 21 runs, defending 221/6. Kamil Mishara has 262 runs at 37.43, Avishka Fernando has 193, Lizaad Williams has 14 wickets and Wellalage 13.
Both teams are balanced, and the game could be decided by the powerplay and the last 25 balls. We lean towards Jaffna Kings.