Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis were in sensational form as they led Jaffna Kings to a remarkable victory in LPL Final 2024, securing their fourth Lanka Premier League (LPL) title in five seasons. Rossouw smashed a brilliant 106 off just 53 balls, while Mendis contributed a quick-fire 72 off 40 balls, helping Jaffna chase down a target of 185 in under 16 overs. This record-breaking partnership not only led to the highest chase in any LPL tournament but also set the highest stand for any wicket across all LPL seasons.
Their victory means Jaffna Kings have dominated the LPL, winning four out of the five tournaments held so far, missing out only in 2023. Rossouw and Mendis’ partnership will be remembered as one of the greatest in the tournament’s history, especially since it came in the final in front of a packed crowd at Khettarama.
Dominant Bowling Performance
Before their explosive batting, Jaffna Kings’ bowlers had already put the team in a strong position. Jason Behrendorff, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Fabian Allen delivered excellent spells, reducing Galle Marvels to 23 for 3 after seven overs. Although Galle’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa played a brilliant innings to help his team recover to 184 for 6, it wasn’t enough to stop the in-form Mendis and Rossouw.
Rossouw’s Power-Hitting Display
Rossouw’s incredible hitting made it seem like there was no ball that Galle Marvels could bowl to contain him. He started Jaffna’s chase with a bang, hitting the first boundaries in the second over. By the fourth over, he was in full flow, smashing Isuru Udana over deep extra cover and deep midwicket.
Rossouw really hit his stride in the middle overs, particularly against the spinners. He took on Prabath Jayasuriya, hitting him for a six and two fours in the seventh over, and then bullied Maheesh Theekshana to reach his fifty off 29 balls. As the chase progressed, Rossouw continued to dominate, hitting Janith Liyanage for three fours and a six to move within five runs of his second century in the tournament.
With Jaffna needing just 21 off 42 balls and nine wickets in hand, the only question was whether Mendis or Rossouw would finish the chase. Rossouw reached his century with ease, celebrated with his signature bazooka gesture, and hit the winning run, raising his bat to the dugout.
Mendis’ Consistency
Kusal Mendis, who had scored 105 not out off 54 balls in the semi-final, continued his excellent form in the final. He raced to 32 off 13 balls inside the powerplay, including 19 runs off Sahan Arachchige’s over. While Rossouw was hitting boundaries between deep cover and deep midwicket, Mendis found the gaps square of the wicket. Despite being dropped on 67 in the 14th over, by then, Jaffna’s victory was almost assured.
Rajapaksa’s Fighting Innings
Although Rossouw and Mendis overshadowed him, Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s innings was crucial in setting a challenging target for Jaffna. Rajapaksa scored 82 off 34 balls, displaying a mix of finesse and power. He played delightful late cuts, fine glances, and flicks off his toes, along with powerful shots down the ground and over midwicket. Tim Seifert supported him with 47 off 37 balls, contributing to a 62-run partnership.
Seifert also accelerated his scoring by hitting three consecutive sixes and a four off V Viyaskanth’s bowling. However, most other Galle Marvels batters struggled to find their timing on the pitch.
Jaffna’s Bowlers Set the Tone
Jaffna Kings’ bowlers set the tone early, with Jason Behrendorff finding swing and conceding just five runs from his three powerplay overs while taking both Galle openers’ wickets. Fabian Allen and Dhananjaya de Silva were also economical, with Allen bowling two overs for 10 runs and de Silva conceding only six in his first over. The spinners bowled slow on a pitch that offered some turn, keeping the Galle Marvels’ batters in check.
Jaffna Kings’ comprehensive victory in the final, led by the spectacular performances of Rossouw and Mendis, has solidified their dominance in the LPL. Their record-breaking partnership and the team’s all-round excellence have made them the team to beat in the tournament. With four titles in five seasons, Jaffna Kings have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Lanka Premier League.
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