Jaffna Stallions defeated Galle Gladiators by 53 runs in the final of Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2020 to lift the trophy.
Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik, with his all-round performance, guided the Thisara Perera-led side to win the inaugural LPL tile.
After opting to bat first, the Stallions posted 188/6 on the board in their stipulated 20 overs. Captain Perera scored 39 off just 14 balls and provided a much-needed momentum to his team. While Malik scored a 35-ball 46, Dhananjaya de Silva contributed with 33 off just 20 balls.
In reply, Gladiators’ skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa hammered 40 off 17 and Azam Khan smashed a quickfire 36 to breathe life into the chase but it was short-lived. After Khan’s dismissal, Gladiators hobbled to 135-9 with the result beyond doubt long before Malik (2/13) delivered the last ball of the match.
Congratulations @jaffnalpl @JaffnaStallions. I love to see as champions in 2020. And also love to my favourite team and my favourite players as champions. No more words to say ❤️💯 #OnlyJaffna #Champions #LPL2020Final @OfficialSLC pic.twitter.com/nmrnNmNSoz
— Shan ishara (@Shaxishara) December 17, 2020
Congratulations @jaffnalpl 👊 absolutely fantastic. This win will make a massive impact not only in cricket but for us as a nation. 👍 kudos to franchise owners and management.. @LPLT20
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) December 16, 2020
Congratulations to the inaugural LPL champions @jaffnalpl @PereraThisara . Huge props to the @OfficialSLC for organizing a successful LPL at such a difficult time. Also many thanks for the security and medical authorities for their cooperation and support. #LPL2020Final
— Upul Tharanga (@upultharanga44) December 16, 2020
Jaffna Stallions @jaffnalpl– Champions of The Lanka Premier League 🏆👏🎉️🎊️🏆️#LPL2020 #එක්වජයගමූ #wintogether #ஒன்றாகவெல்வோம் pic.twitter.com/DjmTHUIeKC
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) December 16, 2020
CHAMPIONS!! Congratulations @jaffnalpl on winning the inaugural @LPLT20 finals 🏆 Outstanding team effort right throughout the tournament. They showed so much passion, commitment and hunger to win games. Well done and congratulations once again! #LPLFinals #LPL2020 #SriLanka 🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/KKq6LkSco8
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) December 16, 2020
Congratulations @JaffnaStallions and weldone to @GalleGladiator too on a great tournament. credit to everyone involved who made #LPL a possibility amid the pandemic.we cricketers are truly grateful for this opportunity 🙏🏻
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) December 16, 2020
Brief Scores:
Jaffna Stallions 188/6 (20) [Shoaib Malik 46 (35), Thisara Perera 39 not out (14); Dhananjaya Lakshan 3/36] beat Galle Gladiators 135/9 (20) [Bhanuka Rajapaksa 40 (17), Azam Khan 36 (17); Shoaib Malik 2/13] by 53 runs.
Awards winners:
- Man of the Final – Shoaib Malik (Jaffna Stallions)
- Emerging Player of the Tournament – Dhananjaya Lakshan (Galle Gladiators)
- Player of the Tournament – Wanindu Hasaranga (Jaffna Stallions)
- Fair Play Award – Dambulla Viiking