The stage is set once again as the all-exciting Lanka Premier League 2022 commences with the previous season’s finalists crossing swords. Reigning champions Jaffna Kings will lock horns with runners-up Galle Gladiators in the season opener of the LPL 2022.
Since the inaugural season, the two heavyweight sides have created history between them and have grown to become arch-rivals. Speaking about their head-to-head since the inception of the tournament, the two have played each other on seven occasions with Jaffna Kings winning on four outings and Galle winning the rest three contests. Interestingly, Jaffna and Galle have been the only two sides playing the most number of matches among all the teams and have contested in both finals since 2020.
Both Jaffna and Galle in the inaugural competition stood in the third and fourth place respectively in the points table. Eventually, the two sides fought hard for their place in the summit clash with Jaffna clinching their maiden LPL title. In 2021, the series opener was between the same two sides, with Galle getting a shot at redemption and capitalizing on the opportunity in both league matches.
Furthermore, Galle outplayed Jaffna in the Qualifier 1 match leaving the rival side to work hard in the Qualifier 2 match. Following Jaffna’s win in the final Qualifier, the side eventually made it to the final with both teams winning thrice in their overall meetings. The stage for the summit clash was set once again for the two to battle it out for the coveted title.
Jaffna yielded a win, replicating their 2020 victory in the 2021 summit clash as they won back-to-back titles. Now, with the two opening the season again, Galle will be on the lookout to get level on head-to-head with the rival side. In any case, an exciting season awaits as both sides will be aiming to get off to a flying start.
|
Year |
Match |
Result |
|
2020 |
Group Stage |
Jaffna Stallions (now Jaffna Kings) won by won by 8 wickets. |
|
2020 |
Group Stage |
Jaffna Stallions won by 5 wickets |
|
2020 |
Final |
Jaffna Stallions won by 53 runs. |
|
2021 |
Group Stage |
Galle Gladiators won by 54 runs |
|
2021 |
Group Stage |
Galle Gladiators won by 20 runs |
|
2021 |
Qualifier 1 |
Galle Gladiators won by 64 Runs |
|
2021 |
Final |
Jaffna Kings won by 23 runs |