Galle Gladiators marched into the final of Lanka Premier League after beating Jaffna Kings by 64 runs in Hambantota on Sunday. Chasing 189 in 20 overs, the Kings were bundled out for 124 in the 17th over as Nuwan Thusara rattled their batting line up with a fifer. He returned with figures of 5/13 in 3.5 overs eventually.
The Jaffna side didn’t have a good start to the chase as they lost early wickets and were left struggling at 85/5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Wanindu Hasaranga were the only two batters to get to the double-figure mark. Gurbaz top-scored with a fifty while Hasaranga scored 29 off 15. But their efforts weren’t enough to take the side over the line.
Earlier in the day, the Gladiators rode on some fine show from the batters to post 188/5 in 20 overs. Kusal Mendis and Gunathilaka put up an opening stand of 121 runs on the board before the latter departed for 55 off 42. Mendis on the other side, notched up a 53-ball 85 during the course.
Skipper B Rajapaksa’s late surge also pushed the scoring rate as he struck 25 in 15 deliveries that included three maximums.
Rajapaksa lauded the batsmen for putting up a good total on the board. “The batters showed the class they have and the pitch is really good here. Our team is very well balanced and I don't want to change much. Beating the defending champions feels good, credit must go to the bowlers and Kusal and Danushka batted really well,” he said after the match.
Jaffna Kings will now face Dambulla Giants on Tuesday in the Eliminator in Hambantota.