Jaffna Gladiators cricket team emerged champions at the recently concluded inaugural Northern Premier League (NPL) at the Vavuniya Town Hall playground.
The tournament was jointly conducted by the Northern Province Cricket Association and Vavuniya District Cricket Association under the guidance from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Jaffna Gladiators defeated Mullai Panthers by 134 runs in the final to take the champions trophy and Rs. 200,000 while the runners up received Rs.100,000.
Five teams representing Vavuniya, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Manner districts participated in is inaugural T-20 tournament.
In the final Jaffna Gladiators batted first scoring 191 for seven wickets in their 20 overs and in reply Mullai Panthers were bundled out for just 53 runs in 12.5 overs.
Sooryakumar Ajith was adjudged man of the final for his fine all-round capabilities as he took 3 for 13 and scored a brisk knock of 53 in 37 deliveries to guide the Gladiators to victory.
Gladiators skipper S. Niroshan also made a fine knock of 50 in 37 balls and won the best batsman award.
In addition A. Pradeep of the Gladiators who captured 15 wickets during this tournament won the best bowler award while A. Anchayan of the Mullai Panthers who aggregated 180 and captured eight wickets during the tournament was adjudged best player of the tournament.
Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva, vice president Ravin Wickramaratne, HR senior manager Major Tanesh Dias, Head of National Cricket Development Kamal Dharmasiri and Sri Lanka cricketers Bhanuka Rajapakse and Vishwa Fernando also graced the occasion and presented the awards.