Lanka Premier League: Jaffna Kings seal final berth after crushing win over Dambulla Giants

After two back to back losses against Galle Gladiators, Jaffna Kings were back at their ruthless best and defeated Dambulla Giants to book a summit clash with the Gladiators. Jaffna stepped on the park like a wounded lion and absolutely mauled the Giants.

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Batting first, they posted a humongous total of 210 runs in their allotted overs. Avishka Fernando stroked a magnificent 100 off 64 balls. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also brushed off his lean patch with a brutal 70 off 40 balls. The duo stitched a 122 run stand for the first wicket in just 13.2 overs.

The target, given the pitch and quality of Kings bowling, looked a daunting one. Dambulla Giants batters showed little resistance and crumbled to a 23 run defeat. The team needed runs from Phil Salt, who has been the best batter of the side. However, his departure sealed the fate of the Giants. A lot of batters got starts but the pressure of chasing a mammoth total in a knockout game was too much to handle for the Giants. Chamika Karunaratne played a late cameo of 75 off 47 balls but the game was done as dusted by then.

Jaffna move to the finals to face Galle Gladiators for the fourth time in the tournament this year. The team will be keen to end their jinx against Gladiators. Despite being the best team in the competition, Kings have failed to beat Gladiators in the previous three games. The final will be played on December 23.