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The highly-anticipated 2026 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is scheduled to commence on Friday, July 17. Jaffna Kings are going to face the Galle Gallants in the opening encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. This is going to be a repeat of the final from last season, which was in 2024. Jaffna emerged victorious in that clash.
Jaffna Kings are set to be led by experienced wicketkeeper-batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Meanwhile, Galle Gallants have former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka at the helm. Both teams have formidable squads to pick from. Here’s a look at how Galle could line-up on Friday.
Galle Gallants’ Predicted Playing XI vs Jaffna Kings, 1st Match in LPL 2026:
Rassie van der Dussen is a solid batter who is brilliant against fast bowlers. He has opened the batting in the SA20 and there is no reason why he can’t find success in the LPL from the same position. The South African batter is expected to be accompanied by Lasith Croospulle, who has played two T20Is so far for the national team. Sam Harper is going to don the wicketkeeping gloves, in all likelihood. The 29-year-old has played 103 matches in the shortest format and scored 2012 runs at an average of 22.35 and a strike rate of 134.31.
Sahan Arachchige is an experienced Sri Lankan batter who has also captained the A team. The southpaw is expected to play a key role in the middle overs. The same can be said about Charith Asalanka, whose batting is very easy on the eye. However, consistency has been a problem for him. Dasun Shanaka will look to lead the side from the front, be it with bat or ball. He will also have to play the finisher’s role in the team.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz will find assistance from the surfaces in Sri Lanka, and his ability to play spin well will also add a lot of value when he directs. Chamika Karunaratne, who is a former Kolkata Knight Riders player, will look to perform well and come back to the national team.
Eshan Malinga has a knack for picking up wickets, especially through the middle overs. He did so during the IPL this year where the pitches were remarkable for batting. However, his variations could prove to be even more deceptive on Sri Lankan pitches and the long boundaries. When it comes to the new ball, the onus will be on Kasun Rajitha to give early breakthroughs. He has played 18 T20Is, picking up 17 wickets at an average of 36.18. Either leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth could round up the squad, or it could be fast bowler Pramod Madushan. The latter was a part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Rassie van der Dussen, Lasith Croospulle, Sam Harper (WK), Sahan Arachchige, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Chamika Karunaratne, Eshan Malinga, Kasun Rajitha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth/Pramod Madushan
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When and where will the match be played?
The match will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Friday, July 17.
What could be a winning score in this match?
A score of over 160 could be competitive. Spinners are expected to play a key role.
Which player can make the biggest difference.
Dasun Shanaka can make a massive difference, especially with his flamboyant batting and ability to hit sixes for fun at the back end of the innings.
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