(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Jaffna Stallions clinched the trophy with a 53-run victory over Galle Gladiators in the final of the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL) Cricket Tournament held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Sooriyaweva yesterday(17).
Batting first, Jaffna Stallions scored 188 runs for the loss of 6 wickets at the end of 20 overs. Shoaib Malik scored 46 off 35 balls and skipper Thisara Perera scored 36 not out.
In reply, Gladiators were able to score only 135 runs for the loss of 9 wickets at the end of 20 overs.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa taking to twitter congratulated the Jaffna Stallions on their win at the LPL and also congratulated all individuals and organizations that contributed to ensure the inaugural tournament was a success amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Congratulations to the @jaffnalpl on their win at the @LPLT20 finals. Great team effort! I also congratulate all individuals & organizations that contributed to ensure the inaugural @LPLT20 was executed without a hitch, despite the many challenges faced with the ongoing pandemic.”
Meanwhile, the Director of the Organizing Committee Ravin Wickramaratne said a team from the Trincomalee District is scheduled to represent the Eastern Province in the second round of the Lanka Premier League to be held next year.
“There are a number of changes to be made to next year’s Lanka Premier League. We hope to start work on next year’s tournament by January 29,” Wickramaratne said.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on July 29 next year.
“Six teams are scheduled to compete in next year’s tournament. We also hope to make it mandatory for each team to have at least two top foreign players,” he added.
