The Hambantota Bangla Tigers were crowned the inaugural champions of the Lanka T10 Super League, defeating the previously unbeaten Jaffna Titans in the final held today in Pallekele. The Tigers had lost to the Titans in Qualifier 1 but bounced back to beat the Galle Marvels in Qualifier 2 yesterday.
Winning the toss, Jaffna Titans skipper David Wiese opted to bowl first in the high-pressure final. After slipping to 59/3, captain Dasun Shanaka and Shevon Daniel added 44 runs in just 17 balls to set up a strong finish. Late cameos from Kenar Lewis and Dhananjaya Lakshan helped the Tigers post a challenging total of 133/7 in their 10 overs. Traveen Mathew once again shone for the Titans, claiming 2 for 18 with the ball.
The Jaffna Titans’ top order, which had been their strength throughout the season, faltered in the final. They lost their first three batters for just 28 runs in 2.2 overs, failing to get the ideal start they needed.
Apart from Tom Abell, who struck a valiant half-century at a strike rate of 200, the rest of the batting lineup struggled as the required rate climbed above 13 runs per over. The Titans could only manage 107/6, falling 26 runs short, as the Hambantota Bangla Tigers secured a comprehensive victory.
