Jaffna Kings made the highest total in Lanka Premier League history on Wednesday, posting 242 for 2 against Galle Gallants in Qualifier 1 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, and held on to win by 14 runs and reach the final.
The innings broke a record Jaffna themselves had set in 2022, when they made 240 for 3.
Mishara anchors, Hridoy finishes
Wicketkeeper-batter Kamil Mishara carried the innings, finishing unbeaten on 108 from 55 balls with 10 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 196.36.
Avishka Fernando fell for 19 off 14, caught by Arachchige off Akif Javed. Khawaja Nafay then made 54 from 32 balls, with four fours and three sixes, before he was run out by wicketkeeper Harper.
Towhid Hridoy provided the late acceleration, striking an unbeaten 54 from just 21 deliveries — three fours and five sixes, a strike rate of 257.14. Jaffna closed on 242 for 2 at a run rate of 12.10, with seven extras.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the captain, and Shakib Al Hasan did not bat.
Galle fall short in a high-scoring chase
Galle Gallants responded with 228 for 8 from their 20 overs, a total that would have won most matches in the competition but left them 14 runs adrift.
The win puts Jaffna Kings into the LPL 2026 final.
The result comes days after the franchise changed hands: Anchor Sports, the venture fronted by former India seamer Zaheer Khan, acquired the Jaffna Kings. The two sides had also opened this season against each other when the tournament began on July 17.
Sources: Hiru News, ESPNcricinfo.
