Match 2: Kandy Royals vs Dambulla Sixers
Kandy Royals
Dambulla Sixers
Dambulla Sixers Defeat Kandy Royals by 18 Runs in High-Scoring Contest
Dambulla Sixers produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Kandy Royals by 18 runs in the second match of the Lanka Premier League 2026 at the SSC, Colombo.
Batting first, Dambulla Sixers overcame an early setback to post an imposing 205 for 6 from their 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks starred with a magnificent unbeaten 87 off 50 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes to anchor the innings.
He received excellent support from Gulbadin Naib, who unleashed a powerful finish with an unbeaten 46 from just 23 deliveries, including four towering sixes. Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan provided momentum at the top with a brisk 23 off 13 balls, helping Dambulla maintain a healthy scoring rate throughout the innings.
For Kandy Royals, Nuwan Thushara and Dushan Hemantha claimed two wickets apiece, but Dambulla’s middle order ensured the scoreboard kept moving with an explosive finish.
Chasing 206 for victory, Kandy Royals struggled to build substantial partnerships despite several encouraging contributions. Dale Phillips top-scored with a composed 52 off 39 deliveries, while Lahiru Udara kept the chase alive with an aggressive 44 from 28 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes.
Captain Wanindu Hasaranga added a quickfire 21 off 10 deliveries, and Vijay Shankar fought until the end with an unbeaten 41 from just 18 balls, but the target ultimately proved beyond Kandy’s reach as they finished on 187 for 6.
Dambulla’s bowling attack shared the workload effectively. Mohammad Wasim picked up 2 for 39, while Gulbadin Naib completed an outstanding all-round performance with 2 for 19 from his two overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera chipped in with a wicket each to keep the Royals under pressure throughout the chase.
With Reeza Hendricks laying the foundation through a match-defining knock and Gulbadin Naib delivering with both bat and ball, Dambulla Sixers sealed a deserved 18-run victory to begin their LPL 2026 campaign on a winning note at SSC, Colombo.
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