Hridoy's record fifty, Shakib's breakthrough send Jaffna into LPL final

Tawhid Hridoy smashed the fastest fifty of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 before Shakib Al Hasan delivered a crucial breakthrough as Jaffna Kings booked their place in the final with a 12-run win over Galle Gallants in the first qualifier at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.

After being asked to bat, Jaffna amassed 242 for two - highest team total in LPL history. They were powered by opener Kamil Mishara's unbeaten 108 off 55 balls, an innings featuring 10 fours and seven sixes.

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Mishara first put on 138 for the second wicket with Khawaja Nafay, who made 54 from 32 deliveries, before sharing an unbroken 71-run stand with Hridoy.

The Bangladesh batter blazed an unbeaten 54 off just 21 balls, reaching his half-century in only 20 deliveries, the quickest fifty of this season's LPL. His explosive cameo included three fours and five sixes and provided the late impetus that lifted Jaffna to a daunting total.

Galle's reply suffered an early setback when Thomas Fraser Rogers fell for a duck in the opening over, but Sam Harper (44), Charith Asalanka (27) and Chamika Karunaratne (39 off 21) kept the chase on course.

With Galle threatening to stay in the contest, Shakib struck in the 14th over by removing Karunaratne, a wicket that halted the momentum and tilted the match firmly in Jaffna's favour. The Bangladesh all-rounder finished with figures of one for 36 from his three overs.

Although Dasun Shanaka hit 34 and Sachindu Colombage (27 not out) and Dinura Kalupahana (22 not out) added late runs, Galle ended on 230 for eight, 12 runs short of the target.

Mohamed Shiraz starred with the ball for Jaffna, claiming three for 34, while Lizaad Williams picked up two wickets.

The victory sent Jaffna into the LPL final for the fifth time in six editions of the tournament since its inception in 2020. They have won all four previous finals they have contested.

Despite the defeat, Galle remain in contention for a place in the final. They will meet the loser of Thursday's eliminator between Colombo Kaps and Kandy Royals in Friday's second qualifier, with the winner progressing to Saturday's final.