For the people of Jaffna, there was unbridled joy and ecstasy as their team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, defeated Galle Marvels in the finals in a thumping manner on 21st July 2024.
Jaffna Kings steamrolled past Galle Marvels and chased down the imposing total of 185 runs in just 15.4 overs, with 26 balls and 9 wickets remaining. It was a statement, that no team was even remotely close to the legacy and glory of Jaffna.
Jaffna won their 4th title and have won 4 titles in 5 editions of the Lanka Premier League. This is an unreal level of dominance and consistency and teams find it extremely hard to beat them in high-voltage and high-pressure situations.
The team had finished in the 2nd position in the points table with 5 wins under their belt. Jaffna then defeated Galle in the Qualifier 1 and cemented their position in the finals.
Galle had to go the harder route and defeated Kandy Falcons in the Qualifier 2, before being swept under the carpet by the 4-time champions.
Rilee Rossouw put on a splendid show and smashed a century in the all-important finals. The South African batter mustered a knock of 106* runs in just 53 deliveries and his innings was packed with 9 fours and 7 sixes.
Kusal Mendis, the opener of Jaffna, scored an unbeaten knock of 72* runs and made sure that they do not break a sweat after Pathum Nissanka departed for a duck off the bowling of Dwaine Pretorius.
With the white-cherry, it was Asitha Fernando who hogged the limelight as he bagged 3 wickets. Jason Behrendorff had taken 2 wickets in this game.
Bhanuka Rajapaksha’s spectacular and classy knock of 82 runs in 34 balls, that was filled with firepower and aggression, unfortunately went in vain as it was Jaffna, who had the last laugh at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Also read: Jacques Kallis Sheds His Views On Gautam Gambhir’s Appointment As Head Coach