3 players who could define the LPL 2024 final between Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings ft. Tim Seifert
The 2024 Lanka Premier League is set to come to a close with the final clash between the Galle Marvels and the Jaffna Kings. The match will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, July 21. Jaffna are looking to clinch their fourth title in five seasons while Galle Marvels have lost two finals already, both to Jaffna.
Both these sides comfortably secured the top two spots in the league stage with ten points apiece. They faced each other in the Qualifier 1 clash recently, where Galle secured a seven-wicket win. Jaffna had to play the Qualifier 2, where they defeated the Kandy Falcons by just one run in a thrilling contest to make it to the finals yet again.
When the two sides faced each other in the league stage, Jaffna had emerged victorious after a mammoth run chase. With one win apiece in the 2024 edition so far, their third and final clash will prove to be decisive and as a result, it is poised very well.
On that note, let us take a look at three players who could define the LPL 2024 final between Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings.
#1 Tim Seifert
The veteran New Zealand batter has been absolute dynamite for Galle at No.3. The franchise already has an explosive opening combination in Alex Hales and Niroshan Dickwella, but Seifert just ensures the continuation of aggression in the batting lineup.
He has amassed 353 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.29 and an average of 58.83. The average is instrumental considering he comes into bat at No.3. He has been able to maintain such an average as he has remained unbeaten on several occasions over the course of the campaign.
He scored an unbeaten 62 in the Qualifier 1 clash against Jaffna, where he scored five boundaries in an over against Azmatullah Omarzai. Such bursts of impact helps a long way, since they can build on the momentum.
Interstingly, Seifert slammed a ton when Galle faced Jaffna in the league stages of the tournament. He scored an unbeaten 104 runs off just 63 deliveries to help Galle post 187-5 on the board.
#2 Avishka Fernando
The leading run scorer of the 2024 Lanka Premier League, Avishka Fernando, has had a landmark season right after being dropped from the national squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has piled up 374 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 162.16.
He scored a fifty in the qualifier 1 clash against Galle, and looked in ominous touch before his dismissal. The right-handed batter has been a mainstay for Jaffna in the middle order, which is arguably a newfound role for him. He has struck five fifties already in the season, and this unreal consistency makes him a huge threat for the opposition in the final.
#3 Isuru Udana
The veteran left-arm pacer has a reputation of being a smart bowler over the years. He gets the new ball to move, and is also a tricky customer in the death with his variations. He is the fourth leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 scalps to his name at an economy of 10.09.
He had a riveting battle with Avishka Ferndando in the death overs during the Qualifier 1 clash and ended up with his wicket to have the last laugh.
Furthermore, he has been a complete surprise with the bat, scoring some crucial runs down the order. Udana scored 126 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 163.63, including a valiant 72 off just 38 deliveries against Dambulla Sixers.