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Cricket Gully | July 24, 2026 5:39 PM CST

An interesting game of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 took place when the Galle Marvels took on the Jaffna Kings, in a game that saw numerous dropped catches, plenty of huge sixes and a record-breaking over. The game on 23rd July teetered between each side before Galle gained an easy 60-run win.

Drama began when Galle survived until towards the end of their innings; however, several dropped catches in the field by Jaffna Kings proved costly as the Kings missed several chances in succession during 7 balls of the innings. Amongst the players to have missed a catch was Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Four missed catches turn the match around.

The breakthrough came on the last ball of the 17th over. Dilshan Madushanka bowled a low full toss to Sahan Arachchige, who cut the ball to short fine leg. Shakib Al Hasan, who was fielding at short fine leg, could not hold on to the catch, and Sahan Arachchige survived.

Sahan seized the moment. He smashed the second ball of the 18th over for six, which was introduced by the keeper. As soon as the next over was bowled, the catch was missed by Dunith Wellalage at deep mid-wicket, but the ball had already passed the boundary for four.

The next over brought another chance missed as David Wiese dropped a catch at long on, bringing Sahan to his 50. Off just 30 balls.

The over for Jaffna Kings kept getting worse and worse. Nawaz was missed on the stumps, and Jaffna accumulated an extra run, and then he hit it for six, Nawaz. Then another catch was missed, resulting in six after the fielder stepped on the boundary cushion and the last ball too finished for six.

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Traveen Mathew conceded 34 runs and is the most expensive over in the history of the Lanka Premier League.

Galle Marvels are taking their chances.

Galle Marvels concluded with an imposing 193 runs. Sahan Arachchige was the most aggressive set, and even after an interesting glut of dropped chances, he was able to score the highest personal score of 63 from 36 rushes along with National captain Chris Lynn, who provided the good sense of the game with a quick-fire 46 from just 22 line rushes.

Jaffna Kings didn't get to the same stage in the chase. Four wickets were gone in the powerplay overs, and they were eight down for under 100 runs. Dunith Wellalage fought, but the others went cheaply against Galle's bowlers.

Jaffna, after many opportunities, were finally dismissed for 133 in less than 18 overs, with a comfortable 60-run victory to Galle Marvels. The win pushed Galle to the top of the LPL 2026 points table, with Jaffna Kings staying fourth in the five-team competition on a day that they will no doubt dwell on for some costly missed opportunities.