Galle vs Jaffna, Final at Colombo, LPL, Jul 21 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

And finally Asalanka is able to get his hands on this trophy, which I kid you not is nearly Asalanka's size! He gets some support from Fabian as the pyrotechnics go off and the players celebrate. Jaffna are four-time champions, and with that our coverage is done. Fidel's report is up for those looking to relive the action, but on behalf of him and the rest of the team, this is Madushka signing off!

Charith Asalanka: "It's an amazing feeling as a first-time captain in the LPL to lift the trophy. It's all about professional, individual performance. I think I didn't have much to do with my players because they're all professionals. I think they looked after themselves, adjusted to the conditions, and that was it. [Rossouw and Mendis?] It was an amazing performance, I'm speechless with their batting because the first wicket was lost in the first ball. But after that Rilee and Kusal were outstanding. I also just want to thank the fans, all those who supported the Jaffna team throughout the season."

Niroshan Dickwella: "It was a great campaign throughout these 21 days, and really proud of my boys. Today after losing the toss I didn't mind batting first but we didn't read the wicket properly, and they bowled really well in the first powerplay. And then Bhanuka was unbelievable, he gave us a chance in this game. After that we started really well with the ball, but then it was disaster. [surface changed?] With the 45 minute break in between the innings there was dew as well today, so the wicket settled down really well. [Fond memories of the tournament?] I have plenty, in the field and out of the field we had a great time. I just want to thank the owners, support staff, SLC, IPG and everyone that helped make this tournament great."

Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament goes to Rilee Rossouw for his 106 off 53 today, and his 389 runs across the tournament at a strike rate of 173.66, including two centuries: "Not much to talk through, I just played one ball at a time. Credit also to Kusal for playing a superb knock, striking at 200 opening in a high pressure situation, coming through for us in the playoff and in this game. [Did tiff with Bhanuka spur you on?] 100%. People that know me don't abuse me, but I mean it's part of the game. It makes it interesting, entertaining. And hopefully that spurs the rest of the boys on. It just puts me more in the zone and I'm thankful that it came off today. Winning the tournament is what we came here to do and this team has been incredible from game one, and just happy to be this side of the winning formula."

The Emerging Player of the Tournament award goes to Chamindu Wickramasinghe of Dambulla Sixers

The Red Cap for the highest wicket-taker goes to Shadab Khan after he ends with 17 wickets in the tournament.

The Pink Cap for the highest run-scorer in the tournament goes to Tim Seifert with 400 runs across the tournament.

Dhananjaya de Silva gets the Catch of the Match award for his effort to dismiss Alex Hales

Alright, time for the post-match stuff

But the right players peaked for Jaffna at the business end of the season, especially Kusal Mendis who been a class apart over the last couple of games - a hallmark of a champion side. Stay with us we'll have the post-match presentation for you shortly.

In hindsight, considering the sort of wicket this turned out to be, the efforts of the Jaffna bowlers inside the first 10 overs might have proved the difference. Jason Behrendorff in particular was excellent in that period, and it also vindicated Jaffna's decision to chase in a high stakes game.

11.13pm In the end a fitting finish to a high quality season of cricket. Spare a thought for Bhanuka Rajapaksa though, whose 82 off 34 had revived Galle from the dead, only for Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw to relegate that effort to but a mere footnote courtesy a partnership of epic proportions. Pathum Nissanka fell first ball, but that meant every run of this chase was hunted down by the pair of Rossouw and Mendis, as they put on an all-time stand to crush any dreams Galle may have harboured of a first-ever title.

The Jaffna players are on their feet in the dug out.

One shot away

Power Blast overs coming up

Alright Rossouw back on strike

Rossouw now needs just 4 to become the first ever player to get two centuries in a single LPL season.

AM Giri: "I still believe South Africa would have won the T20 World Cup if he was playing…"

Odinlass: "So, after the first delivery, nothing has gone Jaffna's way, eh?" --- Very astute.

This is now the highest ever partnership in LPL history!