In an exhilarating clash at Pallekele, Jaffna Titans outclassed Galle Marvels by 7 wickets in the ongoing Lanka T10 tournament. Despite spirited performances from Alex Hales and Shakib Al Hasan, Galle's modest total of 105 was chased down comfortably by Jaffna, led by a power-packed show from Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka.

Winning the toss, Jaffna opted to bowl first, giving Galle Marvels the opportunity to set a target. Alex Hales and Niroshan Dickwella got Galle off to a steady start, adding 32 runs for the first wicket before both fell to runouts. Hales scored the innings' highest 21 runs, showcasing his stroke play in the early overs.

Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan showed glimpses of his brilliance in a quick cameo. Walking in during the fourth over, he hit George Garton for a boundary over deep extra cover, followed by a couple of towering sixes off Dwaine Pretorius in the sixth over.

In the next over, Shakib continued his aggressive intent, smashing Trevin Mathew for two sixes. However, his entertaining knock ended on the last ball of the same over when he was trapped LBW. Shakib departed for a well-made 20 off 13 balls, including three fours and a six.

Wickets fell regularly for Galle as their innings closed at 105/7, with limited contributions from other batters. Jaffna’s bowlers maintained control throughout, restricting Galle from building partnerships.

Chasing 106, Jaffna Titans started aggressively, with openers Kusal Mendis and Tom Kohler-Cadmore tearing into Galle's bowling attack. Kusal Mendis, in particular, stole the show with a scintillating display of power hitting.

Facing Galle skipper Maheesh Theekshana in the fourth over, Mendis launched three consecutive sixes, plundering 30 runs from the over. By the end of four overs, Jaffna had raced to 53 without loss.

Though Mendis fell after a breathtaking 31 off 16 balls, including four sixes, the momentum stayed firmly with Jaffna. Kohler-Cadmore contributed a solid 32 off 21 deliveries, while Charith Asalanka sealed the deal with an explosive 25 off just 11 balls.

Jaffna reached the target with ease, clinching victory in just 7.5 overs and leaving Galle with no answers.

Interestingly, Shakib did not bowl in the match following the ECB's recent restriction on his bowling action. Despite his absence with the ball, his brief batting cameo added some excitement to an otherwise challenging outing for Galle.