Shakib, Hridoy denied LPL title as Gallants end Jaffna's reign

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and Tawhid Hridoy missed out on Lanka Premier League glory as Galle Gallants ended Jaffna Kings' reign with a five-wicket victory in the final on Saturday.

Shakib, who had a below-par tournment, produced a superb spell with the ball. The veteran all-rounder claimed two wickets for 15 runs to give the four-time champions Jaffna hope in a low-scoring final, but Gallants eventually eased to victory in 15.5 overs, chasing down a 123-run total.

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Hridoy, however, could not repeat his impressive performance from the qualifier, where he smashed a record-fastest fifty to help Jaffna reach the final. He scored only 10 off 10 while Shakib managed 9 off 13 as Jaffna were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs after opting to bat first.

Opener Kamil Mishara top-scored with 41, but Jaffna's innings never gathered momentum. Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga took three wickets apiece, while Tharindu Ratnayake claimed two for 14.

Gallants made a shaky start to their chase, losing both openers cheaply but Thomas Fraser Rogers' 34 off 27 and Dinura Kalupahana's 31 off 19 put them in control with a 64-run partnership.

Despite another brief collapse triggered by two wickets from Shakib in the same over that reduced them to 75 for four, Gallants held their nerve to reach the target in 15.5 overs, completing the chase with 25 balls to spare.

The defeat ended Jaffna's bid for a fourth successive LPL title, while Gallants secured their maiden championship.