Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants Fantasy Cricket Tips, Match 1 – LPL 2026

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) returns to the calendar after a year’s absence when the Jaffna Kings take on the Galle Gallants in the opening match of the 2026 season on Friday, July 17, at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo.

Both teams will be aiming to kick off their campaign with a victory and gain early momentum in the tournament.

The Jaffna Kings are the most successful franchise in LPL history, having won four titles in five seasons. They also defeated the Galle-based franchise in the 2024 final, thanks to Rilee Rossouw’s unbeaten century, to claim their latest championship.

Meanwhile, the Galle Gallants, despite reaching three LPL finals, are yet to lift the trophy. Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, they will be hoping to finally end their title drought this season.

Also check: ENG vs IND Dream11 Prediction, 2nd ODI, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI

---

Match Details

---

Pitch Report

The surface at the Sinhalese Sports Club generally offers good assistance for batters. Fast bowlers can generate swing with the new ball during the powerplay, while spinners are expected to come into the game as the match progresses.

• Pitch: Batting Friendly
• Average 1st Innings Score: 180
• Weather: Clear

---

Win Prediction

Jaffna Kings

---

Probable Playing XI

Jaffna Kings

• Avishka Fernando
• Ibrahim Zadran
• MNK Fernando
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa (C)
• Shakib Al Hasan
• David Wiese
• Dunith Wellalage
• M Shiraz
• Dilshan Madushanka
• Sandeep Lamichhane
• LB Williams

Bench: KNM Fernando, Traveen Mathews, Kamil Mishara, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, P Maneesha, M Kugathas, Taskin Ahmed, Dipendra Singh Airee

---

Galle Gallants

• Lasith Croospulle
• Rassie van der Dussen
• Charith Asalanka
• Dasun Shanaka (C)
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Chamika Karunaratne
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Sam Harper
• PM Liyanagamage
• Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
• Kasun Rajitha

Bench: Dinura Kalupahana, Akif Javed, KTH Ratnayake, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, H Ali-I, Liton Das, Y Koththigoda, SSD Arachchige

---

Injury News

Will be added when there is an update.

---

Fantasy Picks

Captain Choices

•  Shakib Al Hasan
• Dasun Shanaka

---

Top Picks

• Shakib Al Hasan
• Rassie van der Dussen

---

Budget Picks

• Dilshan Madushanka
• Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

---

Players to Avoid

• Praveen Maneesha
• Sahan Arachchige

---

Fantasy Team 1 (Head-to-Head)

Wicketkeeper

• Sam Harper

Batters

• Avishka Fernando
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa
• Charith Asalanka

All-rounders

• Shakib Al Hasan (C)
• David Wiese
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Dasun Shanaka (VC)

Bowlers

• Dunith Wellalage
• Dilshan Madushanka
• Vijayakanth Viyaskanth

Team Combination: 6 Jaffna Kings : 5 Galle Gallants

---

Fantasy Team 2 (Mega League)

Wicketkeeper

• Sam Harper

Batters

• Rassie van der Dussen
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa
• Lasith Croospulle
• Charith Asalanka

All-rounders

• Shakib Al Hasan (C)
• Dasun Shanaka
• Chamika Karunaratne

Bowlers

• Sandeep Lamichhane
• Dunith Wellalage
• Dilshan Madushanka

Team Combination: 5 Jaffna Kings : 6 Galle Gallants

---

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes related to free fantasy contests only. CricTracker does not promote or facilitate paid contests and fully complies with the Indian Government’s Gaming Regulation Bill, 2025.