Jaffna Kings registered their third consecutive victory in the Lanka Premier League 2026, defeating Kandy Royals by 21 runs in a high-scoring encounter played today (30th July) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
After being asked to bat first, Jaffna Kings piled up a formidable total of 221 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to explosive contributions from Kamil Mishara and Chamindu Wickramasinghe.
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Opening batter Kamil Mishara gave the Kings a flying start, smashing 49 runs off just 26 deliveries, including 2 fours and 5 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 188.46. Later in the innings, Chamindu Wickramasinghe provided the finishing touches with a blistering 43 off only 15 balls, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 286.66.
For Kandy Royals, wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and off-spinner Moeen Ali were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece.
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In reply, Kandy Royals mounted a spirited chase and kept themselves in contention for most of the innings. Young opener Pawan Sandesh led the charge with a scintillating 48 off 21 balls, striking 5 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 228.57, narrowly missing out on what would have been his maiden T20 half-century.
Despite several positive contributions from the Royals’ batting unit, they were restricted to 200 runs in their 20 overs, falling 21 runs short of the target.
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Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage produced the decisive spell of the match, removing three batters for just 11 runs in his two overs to derail Kandy Royals’ chase.
Brief Scores
Jaffna Kings – 221/6 (20) Kamil Mishara 49, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 43, Avishka Fernando 36, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/37, Moeen Ali 2/38
Kandy Royals – 200 (20) Pawan Sandesh 48, Lahiru Udara 30, Vijay Shankar 25, Wanindu Hasaranga 24, Dunith Wellalage 3/11, Shakib Al Hasan 3/43, Dilshan Madushanka 2/36
Result – Jaffna Kings won by 21 runs
 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.){kind=link}