Jaffna vs Galle, Final at Hambantota, LPL, Dec 23 2021 - Ball by Ball Commentary

11.50pm And on that note, it's a wrap from us for a another season of the LPL. There was more rain than anyone would have liked, but it still provided drama aplenty with spinners dominating, and then when the action shifted to Hambantota, the batters finally had their day in the sun in more ways than one. And ultimately it was Jaffna that proved to be the team for all seasons. Thanks for joining our coverage, good night!

Jaffna captain Thisara Perera is understandably elated, and gives thanks to all the support staff and the fans. He does admit though that Gunathilaka's innings had him worried: "We were all worried, because Dhnushka batted really well, but we knew 200 was still a lot to chase. I think we can do even better next year in terms of performance."

Galle skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa says he's happy with how the team performed throughout the tournament, even if they came up short at the final hurdle: "I'm very satisfied with the boys' efforts. Not too great to finish second yet again, hopefully we can go one better next year. I think we misfielded too many, and that affected the game," he added.

11.40pm So Avishka Fernando picks up the Player of the Match and Player of the Series, having turned up just when his team needed him. "I'm very happy that I was able to what I do to the best of my ability. I batted at number four but I had a couple of failures, so I'm quite happy to do well again at the top of the order," he said speaking post-match.

chathura dharma: "Again two brothers from Galle stands in the way of Galle Gladiators"

Saad: "Just tuning in after an hour, and not sure if someone has noted this. This Gladiators franchise is very similar to its counterparts Quetta Gladiators over at PSL. Quetta Gladiators were the first to qualify for the final in the first two PSL editions, but were beaten in the final. Galle franchise is headed for the same outcome."

11.05pm So it's another LPL in the bag for Jaffna and what a consummate performance it has been! Yes, when Gunathilaka (54 off 21) and Mendis (39 off 28) were going in the powerplay they would've had doubts, but they have game-changers in their ranks. And while Theekshana had an uncharacteristically poor game going for 51 in his four overs - much of that down to Gunathilaka - Wanindu came to the party and dismissed Gunathilaka and Dunk off back-to-back balls to swing the momentum.

Even then the Gladiators had the required rate within reach, but the Kings were outstanding in the field, effecting two runouts, one which was the final nail in the coffin - the wicket of Mendis. They also took every catch that came their way, including some extremely dicey ones.

Galle by contrast had a day to forget in the field, and that probably cost them around 20 runs in total - which in the end was the margin of defeat. The Kings batters needed little invitation though, who were on it from the get go. Avishka followed his century last game with another fifty, while TKC also notched a half ton. And then cameos from Gurbaz, Malik and Thisara pushed the Kings beyond that 200-mark. That was always going to be a tough ask, and so it proved in the end.

It's Lakmal to finish things off.

Last man in now. It's Nuwan Thushara.

Seales is back.

So Hasaranga is limping off, with the help of two men.

Lakmal returns.

48 needed off 18.