Shakib’s LPL Miss Fuels Match-Fixing Concerns
While players such as Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan were on the pitch, the drama only escalated with moments that left the crowd speechless.
In the Galle Marvels against Jaffna Kings encounter on July 23, an unbelievable thriller transpired in just seven deliveries, with multiple dropped catches, poor bowling, and big hitting all packed into that short space.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 is currently in full swing, with teams competing for a spot in the knockout stages. Nonetheless, T20 franchise leagues are always full of intrigue, and LPL 2026 is no exception.
Galle Marvels got off to a good start when they batted first. As the 17th over approached, the drama kicked into high gear. Dilshan Madushanka was bowling against Sahan Arachchige. Sahan scooped the last ball of the 17th over with a low full toss over the top of short fine leg.
As the ball rose into the air, it appeared to be a sitter for Shakib Al Hasan, who was stationed in the spot.
Shakib settled underneath the ball but dropped it, displaying immediate guilt and regret on his face, as Sahan earned a lifeline and a single.
But the drama had only just started. The very next ball of the 18th over, bowled by Traveen Mathew to Sahan, was hit for a big six due to its wider length outside off.
Traveen’s next delivery resulted in another lost catch, this time leading to a boundary. Sahan played a slog sweep to a length ball over the middle, and after mistiming it, Dunith Wellalage at deep mid-wicket let it slip between his fingers as it fell on the turf and rolled over the rope for a boundary.
Multiple dropped catches mar Jaffna Kings.
After Sahan received his second chance, the next ball resulted in another lost catch, this time by David Wiese. Sahan slammed another full toss to long-on, where Wiese fumbled the chance, allowing the batter to reach 50 off just 30 balls with the boundary.
Sahan smashed another six with the fourth ball of the 18th over, followed by a wide that cost an extra run owing to a failed stumping opportunity. Mohammad Nawaz’s penalty delivery was then smashed for six.
Although Wellalage made the catch near the boundary rope, he stepped on it, giving Galle another maximum. The last ball of the 18th over went for six off Nawaz’s bat, and Traveen Matthew conceded 34 runs in the over, making it the most expensive over in LPL history.
🚨 SHOCKING LPL CHAOS 🚨
4 dropped catches, 6 boundaries, a full toss, and a wide… all in the space of just 7 balls.
Remember, the Jaffna Kings owner was arrested 24 hours before the tournament over alleged player bribery. pic.twitter.com/O8ALULPkGv
— Mian Ahmad (@aHmADmIaN150) July 23, 2026
Galle Marvels’ luck devastates Jaffna during chase
This outstanding performance by the Galle Marvels helped them score a massive 193 runs, with Sahan leading the way with 63 off 36 balls, while opener Chris Lynn had previously contributed 46 off 22 deliveries.
The Jaffna Kings struggled terribly in the chase, losing four wickets during the powerplay. Before reaching the 100-run mark, Jaffna had lost eight wickets, with only Dunith Wellalage attempting to save the innings.
Nonetheless, the club was bundled out for 133 runs in 18 overs, propelling Galle Marvels to the top of the points table, with Jaffna Kings sitting fourth in the five-team standings in LPL 2026.
