Colombo Kaps produced a sensational comeback to register their first victory of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, defeating Kandy Royals by 6 wickets in the fifth match of the tournament played yesterday (19th July) at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
Asked to bat first, Kandy Royals posted a competitive total of 179 runs in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to valuable contributions from their top and middle order.
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Opening batter Lahiru Udara provided the ideal start with a fluent 53 off 36 deliveries, striking eight fours and a six. Veteran Angelo Mathews anchored the innings with a composed 45 off 41 balls, which included two fours and two sixes, before Moeen Ali injected late momentum with a blistering 41 off just 17 deliveries, smashing one four and four sixes at a strike rate of 241.17.
Despite the strong batting display, Colombo Kaps’ pace duo of Binura Fernando and Hasan Mahmud kept the Royals in check. Fernando finished with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Mahmud chipped in with three wickets to restrict the opposition to a chaseable target.
Colombo Kaps endured a nightmare start to their run chase and found themselves struggling at 67 for 4 after 10 overs. Their troubles deepened when skipper Kusal Mendis was forced to retire hurt after scoring just two runs, leaving the side staring at a likely defeat.
With the odds heavily stacked against them, Janith Liyanage and James Neesham produced one of the finest partnerships of the tournament so far.
The duo stitched together an unbeaten 115-run stand for the fifth wicket in just 60 deliveries, completely turning the match on its head and guiding Colombo Kaps to a memorable victory.
Liyanage led the charge with a superb unbeaten 53 off 32 balls, striking six fours and a six, while Neesham played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 48 off 36 deliveries, which included five fours and two sixes.
Their outstanding partnership rescued Colombo Kaps from the brink of defeat and sealed a famous win, handing the franchise their first points of the LPL 2026 campaign.
Brief Scores
Kandy Royals – 179 (20) Lahiru Udara 53, Angelo Mathews 45, Moeen Ali 41, Binura Fernando 4/45, Hasan Mahmud 3/31
Colombo Kaps – 182/4 (19.4) Janith Liyanage 53*, James Neesham 48*, Kamindu Mendis 26, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/29
Result – Colombo Kaps won by 6 wickets
 2026, defeating Kandy Royals by 6 wickets in the fifth match of the tournament played yesterday (19th July) at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.){kind=link}