Jaffna Kings created history on Friday as they clinched the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022 title for the third year in a row after defeating Colombo Stars by 2 wickets in a thrilling final. A show of great dominance from Jaffna Kings as they made it three titles in a row, although they were given a real scare in the end. Stars came close with their fiery bowling towards the end but ultimately fell short.
After winning the toss, the Kings invited the Stars to put runs on the scoreboard. Stars had a bad start as they lost Nishan Madushka (1) on just two runs. Dinesh Chandimal continued his good form as he built up a 75 runs partnership for the second wicket with Charith Asalanka. Chandimal scored 49 runs off 40 balls, while Asalanka hit 31 runs on just 23 balls before Ravi Bopara (47 not out) played another brilliant knock to take the Stars to a fighting total.
What is a final without some drama?
For Jaffna Kings, Thisara Perera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage took a wicket each. Batting second, the Kings started their innings on a positive note as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando dispatched every bad ball toward the boundary line.
Gurbaz went back to the Pavillion after scoring 36 runs off 18 balls including four boundaries and two sixes. However, Fernando stayed on the crease and completed his 50 off 43 balls. He also built a 72 runs partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama (44) for the third wicket before Suranga Lakmal removed both batters.
The Kings lost five quick wickets after Samarawickrama went back to the Pavillion. However, it was a little too late for the Stars as Binura Fernando took his team to victory in the last over. Suranga Lakmal and Benny Howell were the top bowlers for the Stars as they took three and two wickets, respectively.
