Opting to bat Jaffna Kings were off to a flying start as Avishka Fernando and R Gurbaz added 56 runs for the opening wicket inside the powerplay. Galle enjoyed the first success in the sixth over when Samit Patel removed R Gurbaz at the score of 35.

Avishka Fernando then steadied the innings with T K Cadmore and stitched a 63-run partnership for the second wicket. Avishka slammed 8 fours and 2 sixes in his 63 runs knock.

TK Cadmore and Shoaib Malik then continued the grind as Jaffna Kings eventually posted 201/3. TK Cadmore returned unbeaten on 57 off 41 deliveries while Shoaib Malik managed 23 off 11 deliveries.

In reply, Galle Gladiators were off to a terrific start as D Gunathilaka (54) and K Mendis (39) added 63 runs in just 4.2 overs with Gunathilaka slamming a 19-ball fifty. W Hasaranga provided the first breakthrough to Jaffna Kings as he removed Gunathilaka and Ben Dunk on consecutive deliveries to bring Kings back in the game.

Kusal Mendis, however, kept hold of one end and stitched small partnerships with M Hafeez and B Rajapaksa to keep Gladiators alive in the run chase. However, he, unfortunately, got run-out in the 14th over. Once Mendis was out, Jaffna Kings kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals. In the end, Galle Gladiators managed 178/9 falling short by 23 runs of the target.

-Agencies

They thought like champs, played like champs and fought like champs! 🏆 @KingsJaffna @OfficialSLC @PereraThisara #LPL2021 #එක්වජයගමු #ஒன்றாகவென்றிடுவோம் #EkwaJayagamu #Cricket #WinTogether #SriLanka #Season2 #T20cricket #LankaPremierLeague #TheFutureisHere pic.twitter.com/xoLAOd9kHb

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