Galle Gallants and Jaffna Kings will lock horns in Qualifier 1 of the Lanka Premier League 2026, with the winner booking a direct place in the final, while the losing team will get another opportunity through Qualifier 2.
Jaffna Kings finished at the top of the points table with 11 points from 8 matches, registering 5 wins, 2 losses, and one no result. Galle Gallants finished second with 11 points from 8 matches, having won 5 and lost 3.
Galle Gallants have won three and lost two of their last five matches, while Jaffna Kings have won three, lost one, and had one no result in their last five outings. Gallants lead the recent head-to-head record, winning three of the last five meetings against the Kings, while Jaffna Kings have won two.
Galle Gallants head into this contest after a 13-run victory over Colombo Kaps in their final league-stage match. Meanwhile, Jaffna Kings’ last league fixture against Dambulla Sixers ended in a no result due to rain. With a place in the LPL 2026 final at stake, both teams will be determined to make the most of this opportunity.
RECENT PERFORMANCE
GAG
W
L
W
L
W
GAG
L
W
L
W
JKS
W
W
W
L
W
JKS
W
W
L
W
HEAD TO HEAD
Last 8 Matches
193/8 in 20.0
133/10 in 17.5
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Show Less
LPL 2023
Jaffna Kings won by 8 wickets
Galle Marvels Preview
Galle Gallants head into Qualifier 1 after a 13-run win over Colombo Kaps in their final league-stage match. Batting first, they posted 201/6 before bowling Colombo Kaps out for 188 in 19.4 overs to carry strong momentum into the playoffs.
The batting unit fired collectively, led by Player of the Match Charith Asalanka, who scored 58 off 37 balls. Sahan Arachchige contributed 43 from 29 balls, while Sam Harper provided a brisk start with 28 off 16. In the death overs, Dasun Shanaka (21 off 8)* and Mohammad Nawaz (7 off 4)* finished strongly to take the total beyond 200.
The bowlers backed up the batting effort with an impressive display. Mohammad Nawaz was the standout performer with 3/24 in four overs, while Akif Javed and Eshan Malinga claimed two wickets each. Tharindu Ratnayake and Sachindu Colombage also chipped in with a wicket apiece to complete the win.
Galle Gallants have looked well-balanced throughout the tournament, with experienced players contributing in both departments. If their batting continues to fire and the bowling attack maintains its discipline, they will be confident of securing a place in the final.
Key Players: Charith Asalanka, Mohammad Nawaz, Sam Harper
Galle Marvels Predicted Playing XI:
Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Fraser Rogers, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Dinura Kalupahana, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Mohammad Nawaz, Akif Javed, Tharindu Ratnayake, Eshan Malinga
Charith Asalanka
58
37
7
2
156.76
Sahan Arachchige
43
29
4
2
148.28
Mohammad Nawaz
4.0
0
24
3
6
Akif Javed
4.0
0
42
2
10.5
Eshan Malinga
3.4
0
43
2
11.73
Jaffna Kings Preview
Jaffna Kings’ final league match against Dambulla Sixers ended in a no result due to rain, with the chase never getting underway. Before the rain arrived, the Kings produced a solid bowling effort after Dambulla posted 203/8 in 20 overs. Dilshan Madushanka was the standout performer with 3/32 in four overs, while Dunith Wellalage claimed 2/24. Lizaad Williams also picked up 2 wickets, and Zahoor Khan added one wicket.
Before that, Jaffna Kings secured an impressive 21-run victory over Kandy Royals, successfully defending 221/6. That win played a key role in helping them finish at the top of the league table and showcased the team’s strength with both bat and ball heading into the playoffs.
The Kings have enjoyed a consistent season, led by Kamil Mishara, who has scored 262 runs in 7 innings at an average of 37.43. Avishka Fernando has added 193 runs in 7 innings, while the bowling attack has been spearheaded by Lizaad Williams (14 wickets in 6 matches) and Dunith Wellalage (13 wickets in 8 matches).
Jaffna Kings have looked one of the most complete teams this season, with a powerful batting line-up and an in-form bowling attack. They will be confident of carrying that momentum into Qualifier 1 and securing a place in the final.
Key Players: Kamil Mishara, Lizaad Williams, Dunith Wellalage
Jaffna Kings Predicted Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Shakib Al Hasan, Dunith Wellalage, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Lizaad Williams, Dilshan Madushanka, Zahoor Khan, Praveen Maneesha
Dilshan Madushanka
0
0
0
0
0
Dunith Wellalage
0
0
0
0
0
Lizaad Williams
0
0
0
0
0
Dilshan Madushanka
4.0
0
32
3
8
Dunith Wellalage
4.0
0
24
2
6
Lizaad Williams
3.0
0
39
2
13
HR
Temp
Rain
W. speed
W. direction
Clouds
00h
27
2.26 mm.
7.56 k/h
From: W
100%
03h
28
5.18 mm.
8.22 k/h
From: W
100%
06h
30
4.80 mm.
7.09 k/h
From: W
99%
09h
30
0.81 mm.
6.91 k/h
From: WSW
89%
12h
29
0.16 mm.
6.23 k/h
From: WSW
94%
15h
28
0.52 mm.
5.91 k/h
From: WSW
100%
18h
28
1.26 mm.
6.87 k/h
From: WSW
100%
21h
27
1.22 mm.
6.69 k/h
From: WSW
100%
Weather Conditions
The weather in Colombo is expected to be cloudy, with the temperature around 29°C. Humidity will be approximately 78%, while winds of around 24 km/h are expected during the match. There is no chance of rain, so clear and uninterrupted playing conditions are expected.
GAG vs JKS Pitch Report
Batting Conditions
Moderate Scoring
The surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo has generally produced balanced T20 contests. Across 66 T20 matches, the average first-innings score is 145, while the average second-innings score is 129. Teams batting first have won 28 matches, whereas teams chasing have won 37 matches, indicating a slight advantage for the side batting second.
Score Prediction
If Galle Gallants bat first: 150-160 runs
If Jaffna Kings bat first: 155-165 runs
Toss: To Bowl
The toss-winning captain is likely to bowl first, as teams chasing have won 37 of the 66 T20 matches played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, while teams batting first have won 28.
Toss Prediction: Jaffna Kings to win the toss.
Jaffna Kings finished top of the table with consistent, all-round performances, giving them a slight edge in Qualifier 1. However, Galle Marvels enter the playoffs in great form following a victory in their final league match, backed by a roster of experienced match-winners ready to push for the final.
Jaffna Kings to win the match.
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