Despite being the most run-scoring season in the league’s history, the Lanka Premier League’s (LPL) fifth edition was a superb display of cricket. The top two teams in the competition, Jaffna Kings and Galle Marvels, faced off in the finals, with Jaffna winning and securing their fourth championship. With Jaffa’s victory being their fourth in the last five seasons, such domination has never been witnessed in other competitions.
Jaffna, who had previously participated in three finals, used all of their knowledge to destroy Galle in the championship match. Despite Asitha Fernando’s 3/35 stats, Galle had amassed 184/6 in 20 overs thanks to Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s devastating effort, giving them a strong chance to win the championship. But in the run pursuit, that’s where the Kings displayed their class.
With a record partnership of 185 runs with Kusal Mendis, Rilee Roussow never let the pressure get to the eventual victors, even when Pathum Nissanka left early for a golden duck. In addition to becoming the first player in LPL history to score two century in a single tournament, Rossouw made sure the Kings won the league for the fourth time.
