Dambulla Sixers returned to winning ways in commanding fashion as they ended Galle Gallants’ unbeaten run with a six-wicket victory in the eighth match of the Lanka Premier League 2026, played today (22nd July) at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
After being asked to bat first, Galle Gallants posted a competitive 178 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Sam Harper and Chamika Karunaratne leading the scoring.
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Harper provided a brisk start, smashing 40 runs off just 22 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Karunaratne then anchored the middle order with a well-made 45 off 30 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes to help Gallants post a challenging total.
The Dambulla bowlers, however, ensured the visitors were kept below the 180-run mark. Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 39 runs.
In reply, Dambulla Sixers made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 16.1 overs with six wickets in hand.
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South African top order batter Reeza Hendricks continued his rich vein of form, producing another match-winning innings. He struck a fluent 64 off 37 deliveries, laced with nine fours and a six, to register his second half-century of the tournament.
Marques Ackerman provided valuable support with 35 runs, while young Pavan Rathnayake played another useful hand, contributing 29 runs to keep the scoreboard moving as the Sixers comfortably crossed the finish line.
Brief Scores
Galle Gallants – 178/8 (20) Chamika Karunaratne 45, Sam Harper 40, Charith Asalanka 25, Dasun Shanaka 20, Fazalhaq Farooqi 3/39, Marques Ackerman 2/27
Dambulla Sixers – 180/4 (16.1) Reeza Hendricks 64*, Marques Ackerman 35, Pavan Rathnayake 29
Result – Dambulla Sixers won by 6 wickets
 at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.){kind=link}