Rilee Rossouw’s Unbeaten Century Leads Jaffna Kings to Record Fourth LPL Title

Jaffna Kings secured their fourth Lanka Premier League (LPL) title in five seasons with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Galle Marvels in the final on Sunday. South African batsman Rilee Rossouw spearheaded the chase with an unbeaten century, leading his team to overhaul the 185-run target in just 15.4 overs at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Rossouw’s explosive innings of 106 off 53 balls featured nine fours and seven sixes. He formed an unbroken 185-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, who contributed 72 not out off 40 balls. This partnership proved decisive after Jaffna lost opener Pathum Nissanka to the first ball of the innings.

Earlier, Galle Marvels posted a competitive 184/6 in their 20 overs, propelled by a blistering 82 off 34 balls from Bhanuka Rajapaksa, which included eight fours and six sixes. Tim Seifert supported with 47 runs from 47 balls. Asitha Fernando was the standout bowler for Jaffna, taking 3/35.

“It’s an amazing feeling. First time captaining in LPL and to lift a trophy is an amazing feeling,” said Jaffna captain Charith Asalanka. “It’s all about professional individual performance. They looked after themselves. I’m speechless with their batting.”

Rossouw was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance and also received the Player of the Series award, finishing the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer with 389 runs at an average of 43.22 and a strike rate of 173.66.

“Just played one ball at a time. Credit also to Kusal for a superb knock. He came through for us in the Qualifier and tonight,” Rossouw remarked at the post-match presentation.

This victory solidifies Jaffna Kings’ reputation as the most successful team in LPL history, having claimed four titles in five seasons. For Galle Marvels, it marked a disappointing conclusion to their quest for their first LPL trophy.