Colombo Kaps registered a comfortable 68-run victory over Kandy Royals in the Eliminator of the Lanka Premier League 2026, played today (5th August) at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. With the victory, Colombo Kaps advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face Galle Gallants for a place in the final.
After winning the toss, Colombo Kaps elected to bat first and produced an impressive batting display, posting a formidable 203 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
No. 3 batter Ben McDermott led the charge with a superb 71 off just 39 deliveries, smashing one four and seven towering sixes. James Neesham provided the late acceleration with a blistering 42, while Janith Liyanage chipped in with a valuable 32 to help Colombo Kaps cross the 200-run mark.
For Kandy Royals, Nuwan Thushara, Zahir Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets apiece but were unable to prevent Colombo Kaps from posting a daunting total.
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Chasing 204 for victory, Kandy Royals never managed to build the momentum required despite another fine innings from their in-form opener Lahiru Udara, who continued his impressive tournament with a well-made 50 off 36 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
The turning point with the ball came through left-arm spinner Wanuja Sahan, who produced one of the most economical spells of the tournament. He returned outstanding figures of 2 for 8 from his four overs, including an incredible 18 dot balls, putting the brakes on Kandy Royals’ chase.
With regular wickets falling at the other end and the required rate continuing to climb, Kandy Royals were eventually restricted to 135, handing Colombo Kaps a comprehensive 68-run victory.
Colombo Kaps will now take on Galle Gallants in Qualifier 2 on 7th August at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The winner will earn the right to face Jaffna Kings in the LPL 2026 Final on 8th August at the same venue.
Brief Scores
Colombo Kaps – 203/7 (20) Ben McDermott 71, James Neesham 42*, Janith Liyanage 32, Kamindu Mendis 28, Nuwan Thushara 2/31, Zahir Khan 2/32, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/39
Kandy Royals – 135 (18.4) Lahiru Udara 50, Pawan Sandesh 21, Wanuja Sahan 2/8, Shahnawaz Dahani 2/16, Malsha Tharupathi 2/23, Milan Rathnayaka 2/23, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/41
Result – Colombo Kaps won by 68 runs
 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. With the victory, Colombo Kaps advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face Galle Gallants for a place in the final.){kind=link}