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The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 came to a fitting end with Jaffna Kings being crowned the champions this season.
Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings contested the final that was played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, July 21. Batting first, Galle put up a competitive total of 184/6 on the board, courtesy of a fiery 82-run knock from Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Asitha Fernando bagged three wickets for Jaffna.
In reply, Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw ensured that Galle had no chance whatsoever, making it into a completely one-sided run-chase. The duo went beserk, showing no mercy as they powered Jaffna to a record fourth LPL title, getting the job done in just 15.4 overs. Mendis remained unbeaten on 72 while Rossouw smashed an unbeaten 53-ball 106, as Jaffna won by nine wickets.
Throughout the tournament, there were several impressive performances from players with both the bat and the ball. However, here is the best playing 11 of LPL 2024 after the final.
Best playing 11 of LPL 2024
Openers: Alex Hales, Kusal Perera (wk)
Galle Marvels opener Alex Hales had a forgettable outing in the final, as he added only six runs. However, was successful with the bat throughout, playing a key part in his team's campaign. Hales scored 326 runs in 10 innings, averaging 36.22 with a couple of fifties, including an unbeaten 86.
Wicket-keeper batter Kusal Perera would partner Hales at the top. Perera, who initially went unsold at the LPL auction, impressed one and all with his 296 runs from eight innings. Moreover, his strike-rate of 169.14 stands testimony to the intent he has shown with the bat. Perera also slammed an unbeaten 102 off just 52 deliveries in one of the games.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Rilee Rossouw, Tim Seifert, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Shadab Khan
Rilee Rossouw displayed magnificent form for the Jaffna Kings with the bat. With a scintillating unbeaten century in the final, he led them to their fourth LPL title. Rossouw finished as the tournament's second-highest run-getter with 389 runs from 11 innings at a strike-rate of 173.66, including a couple of hundreds.
Tim Seifert was one of the primary reasons that the Galle Marvels were one of the teams to beat this season. While his strike-rate could have been slightly better, Seifert played crucial knocks to help his side win games. He scored consistently, amassing 400 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.14, including an unbeaten hundred. He was the tournament's highest run-scorer.
Avishka Fernando adds further strength to this batting lineup. He was also among the top run-getters this season and proved to be another mainstay for Jaffna. Fernando piled on 374 runs in 10 innings at a strike-rate of 162.60. The right-hander displayed consistency throughout, scoring five half-centuries in the tournament.
Purely based on his power-hitting ability, Bhanuka Rajapaksa could perfectly play the role of a finisher down the order in this team. He scored 236 runs in 10 games, striking at 163.88. He also smashed a vital 34-ball 82 in the final for Galle.
Wanindu Hasaranga, the leading run-getter and wicket-taker from the previous LPL season, failed to replicate his form with the bat this year. However, the Kandy Falcons' spinner grabbed 15 wickets in 10 innings, helping his side make it to the second qualifier. He did manage to score a 32-ball 65, giving a glimpse of his batting abilities.
While Colombo Strikers lost the eliminator, Shadab Khan played a massive role in them making the knockouts. Facing heavy criticism for his bowling coming into the tournament, Shadab certainly redeemed himself, finishing as the highest wicket-taker of LPL 2024 with 17 scalps from nine innings at an economy rate of 6.46. Moreover, he picked up three four-wicket hauls, including a hat-trick.
Bowlers: Matheesha Pathirana, Isuru Udana, Binura Fernando
Matheesha Pathirana has been another consistent performer this season. He accounted for 15 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 8.33, including a couple of four-wicket hauls.
Left-arm pacer Isuru Udana made a stunning comeback. His skillful variations helped him grab 14 wickets, many in the death overs. With the bat, he scored two fifties in four innings, including a remarkable 72 off 38 balls that almost led Galle to an incredible comeback victory.
Another left-arm quick who was pretty impressive this season was Binura Fernando. The Colombo Strikers quick picked up 13 wickets in eight games at an average of 16 and an economy rate of just 6.81, showing that he was not only among the wickets but also made it difficult for batters to score easily.
