In a highly hyped up final of the Lanka Premier League 2022, Jaffna Kings have tuned up for a hat-trick of titles in a face off with a highly resurgent Colombo Stars tonight at 7.30 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. While the Kings, skippered by former Lankan captain Thisara Perera have ascended workmanlike to oozing with confidence to standing a step away to crowning themselves in a record of titles, the Kings, led by former veteran Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews, has arrived close to winning the title for the first time on the strength of a late rally from the early slumber that saw them lagging in third place in the points table with 6 points to Jaffna Kings 12 points. If the points disparity does showcase the Kings as top stuff., the Stars gallop to challenging their rivals for the big stakes has been heightened by back to back triumphs in getting right up there having thrashed the Galle Gladiators and table leaders Kandy Falcons. The manner in which Mathews’ charges got overhauled the Falcons by 6-wickets with the skipper himself stepping in to finish it off style has certainly hyped up this final to a potential heavyweights clash.

While both sides boast of two veterans in Perera and Mathews, the manner in which the former has led the Kings has been exemplary. Thisara Perera has performed with aplomb with both bat and ball in showing the way. The side is well knitted with all-round depth boasting of top local and foreign talent. The Stars too is potentially loaded with some aces in the pack of national repute while fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has oiled up to raking it big as demonstrated by his 4 for 20 in downsizing the Falcons. It boils down to a tough battle to reigning in.

Of the 35-year old Mathews it must be said that he has rolled back the pages of time to his glory days with his bat underlining the fact that old wine still flows strong.