Galle Gallants claimed their first Lanka Premier League championship by defeating defending champions Jaffna Kings by five wickets in the LPL 2026 final held in Colombo on Saturday.

Galle Gallants achieved a historic milestone by winning the Lanka Premier League championship for the first time, overcoming Jaffna Kings in the final at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, August 8. The victory came after Galle had reached the final stage three times previously without success.

Jaffna Kings, who were defending their title, elected to bat first but struggled significantly against Galle's bowling attack. Eshan Malinga and Charith Asalanka combined effectively with the ball, taking three wickets each to restrict Jaffna to 123 runs. Asalanka's performance proved particularly impactful, removing Khawaja Nafay, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Dunith Wellalage to leave Jaffna in a precarious position at 68/5 after 11 overs.

Galle's chase got off to a shaky start, losing their opening batsmen Sam Harper and Charith Asalanka cheaply within the first two overs with the score at just ten runs. However, the middle order steadied the innings, with Dinura Kaluphana and Thomas Fraser Rogers combining for a 64-run partnership off 41 balls for the third wicket. Fraser Rogers contributed 34 runs off 27 balls while Kaluphana scored 31 off 19 deliveries. Captain Dasun Shanaka completed the victory with a quick cameo, finishing unbeaten on 20 off 9 balls as Galle crossed the target in 15.5 overs.

Charith Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance, while tournament awards recognized Kamil Mishara as Player of the Tournament after he amassed 411 runs across nine innings at an average of 51.37.