Galle Gallants ended years of heartbreak by winning their maiden Lanka Premier League title with a commanding five-wicket victory over four-time champions Jaffna Kings in the 2026 LPL final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Jaffna Kings were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs. Galle completed the chase with authority, reaching 126 for five in 15.5 overs to secure the historic title.
The victory inflicted Jaffna’s first defeat in an LPL final and ended Galle’s long wait for the trophy after finishing as runners-up on three previous occasions.
Charith Asalanka leads Galle to historic LPL triumph
Charith Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution in the final, while Eshan Malinga received the Game-Changer Award for playing a crucial role in Galle’s title-winning performance.
Galle Gallants received US$150,000 in prize money, while runners-up Jaffna Kings collected US$100,000.
The Gallants had enjoyed a strong record against Jaffna during the league stage. They began their campaign with a 36-run victory over the Kings before registering an even more convincing 60-run win in their second meeting.
Jaffna responded by defeating Galle in Qualifier 1 to secure direct qualification for the final. However, the Gallants recovered, earned another opportunity and delivered when it mattered most.
Kamil Mishara’s qualifier century highlights outstanding campaign
Kamil Mishara played one of the defining innings of the 2026 Lanka Premier League by scoring a brilliant century in the qualifier. His hundred came under pressure and helped Galle Gallants recover from their Qualifier 1 defeat to secure another chance at the title. The innings demonstrated Mishara’s composure, shot selection and ability to perform in a high-stakes knockout match.
Mishara maintained his consistency throughout the competition and was named Player of the Tournament. His performances established him as one of the leading Sri Lankan batters of the 2026 LPL season and played a major part in Galle’s championship success.
Eshan Malinga finishes as LPL 2026’s leading wicket-taker
Eshan Malinga emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stars, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an average of 19.29.
The 25-year-old fast bowler impressed with his pace, control and ability to take important wickets at decisive moments. His consistency made him an essential member of the Galle Gallants bowling attack throughout their title-winning campaign.
Malinga was also named Young Player of the Tournament, underlining his rapid development and growing reputation in Sri Lankan cricket.
His performances demonstrated the value of the Lanka Premier League in providing emerging players with opportunities to compete alongside established Sri Lankan and international cricketers.
Lahiru Udara Igalagamage tops LPL 2026 run-scoring chart
Lahiru Udara Igalagamage finished as the leading run-scorer of the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
He accumulated 434 runs at an outstanding average of 54.25, including one century. His consistency at the crease made him one of the competition’s most reliable batters and a standout performer during the season.
Udara’s ability to build innings, score under pressure and produce match-defining performances placed him at the top of the tournament’s batting charts.
LPL 2026 final awards
Several other individual awards were presented after the final.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe received the award for the longest six of the match, while Dinura Kalupahana was named the Power Hitter. Shakib Al Hasan claimed the award for delivering the most dot balls in the final.
The individual honours capped a tournament in which several young Sri Lankan players made significant contributions.
Jaffna Kings reach final despite ownership disruption
Jaffna Kings’ journey to the final came despite considerable uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s ownership. The agreement with the franchise’s previous owners was terminated during the season following financial and contractual breaches. The decision came amid corruption allegations involving a former co-owner was arrested and other owner with majority stakes never showed up in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Cricket and the tournament organisers temporarily assumed control of the franchise’s operations, allowing the team to continue competing.
Stockholm-based Anchor Sports AB later acquired the franchise, with former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan joining businessman Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner. The team was subsequently rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings.
Despite the off-field disruption, Jaffna’s players and coaching staff maintained their challenge and reached another LPL final. However, they were unable to secure a record-extending fifth title as Galle produced a composed all-round performance.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Jaffna Kings were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs. Galle completed the chase with authority, reaching 126 for five in 15.5 overs to secure the historic title.
The victory inflicted Jaffna’s first defeat in an LPL final and ended Galle’s long wait for the trophy after finishing as runners-up on three previous occasions.
Charith Asalanka leads Galle to historic LPL triumph
Charith Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution in the final, while Eshan Malinga received the Game-Changer Award for playing a crucial role in Galle’s title-winning performance.
Galle Gallants received US$150,000 in prize money, while runners-up Jaffna Kings collected US$100,000.
The Gallants had enjoyed a strong record against Jaffna during the league stage. They began their campaign with a 36-run victory over the Kings before registering an even more convincing 60-run win in their second meeting.
Jaffna responded by defeating Galle in Qualifier 1 to secure direct qualification for the final. However, the Gallants recovered, earned another opportunity and delivered when it mattered most.
Kamil Mishara’s qualifier century highlights outstanding campaign
Kamil Mishara played one of the defining innings of the 2026 Lanka Premier League by scoring a brilliant century in the qualifier. His hundred came under pressure and helped Galle Gallants recover from their Qualifier 1 defeat to secure another chance at the title. The innings demonstrated Mishara’s composure, shot selection and ability to perform in a high-stakes knockout match.
Mishara maintained his consistency throughout the competition and was named Player of the Tournament. His performances established him as one of the leading Sri Lankan batters of the 2026 LPL season and played a major part in Galle’s championship success.
Eshan Malinga finishes as LPL 2026’s leading wicket-taker
Eshan Malinga emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stars, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an average of 19.29.
The 25-year-old fast bowler impressed with his pace, control and ability to take important wickets at decisive moments. His consistency made him an essential member of the Galle Gallants bowling attack throughout their title-winning campaign.
Malinga was also named Young Player of the Tournament, underlining his rapid development and growing reputation in Sri Lankan cricket.
His performances demonstrated the value of the Lanka Premier League in providing emerging players with opportunities to compete alongside established Sri Lankan and international cricketers.
Lahiru Udara Igalagamage tops LPL 2026 run-scoring chart
Lahiru Udara Igalagamage finished as the leading run-scorer of the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
He accumulated 434 runs at an outstanding average of 54.25, including one century. His consistency at the crease made him one of the competition’s most reliable batters and a standout performer during the season.
Udara’s ability to build innings, score under pressure and produce match-defining performances placed him at the top of the tournament’s batting charts.
LPL 2026 final awards
Several other individual awards were presented after the final.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe received the award for the longest six of the match, while Dinura Kalupahana was named the Power Hitter. Shakib Al Hasan claimed the award for delivering the most dot balls in the final.
The individual honours capped a tournament in which several young Sri Lankan players made significant contributions.
Jaffna Kings reach final despite ownership disruption
Jaffna Kings’ journey to the final came despite considerable uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s ownership. The agreement with the franchise’s previous owners was terminated during the season following financial and contractual breaches. The decision came amid corruption allegations involving a former co-owner was arrested and other owner with majority stakes never showed up in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Cricket and the tournament organisers temporarily assumed control of the franchise’s operations, allowing the team to continue competing.
Stockholm-based Anchor Sports AB later acquired the franchise, with former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan joining businessman Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner. The team was subsequently rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings.
Despite the off-field disruption, Jaffna’s players and coaching staff maintained their challenge and reached another LPL final. However, they were unable to secure a record-extending fifth title as Galle produced a composed all-round performance.
