Dambulla Sixers kicked off their Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 campaign with an impressive 18-run victory over Kandy Royals in the second match of the tournament, played today (18th July) at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
Having won the toss, Dambulla Sixers elected to bat first and piled up an imposing 205 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a magnificent unbeaten innings from Reeza Hendricks.
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The South African batter anchored the innings with a superb 87* off 50 deliveries, striking 11 fours and 2 sixes.
After the Sixers found themselves under pressure in the latter half of the innings, Gulbadin Naib provided the finishing flourish with a blistering unbeaten 46 off just 23 balls, including 2 fours and 4 towering sixes.
Hendricks and Naib combined for a sensational unbroken 94-run partnership in just 43 deliveries for the seventh wicket, lifting Dambulla past the 200-run mark.
For Kandy Royals, wrist-spinner Dushan Hemantha and fast bowler Nuwan Thushara claimed two wickets apiece.
Chasing a daunting target of 206, Kandy Royals stayed in the hunt through useful contributions from Dale Phillips (52), Lahiru Udara (44) and Vijay Shankar, who remained unbeaten on 41.
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However, the Royals were unable to keep up with the required rate and eventually finished on 187 for 6, falling 18 runs short of the target.
Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib capped off an outstanding all-round performance by claiming two wickets, while Mohammed Wasim also picked up two scalps to help Dambulla Sixers seal a winning start to their LPL 2026 campaign.
Brief Scores
Dambulla Sixers – 205/6 (20) Reeza Hendricks 87*, Gulbadin Naib 46*, Dushan Hemantha 2/26, Nuwan Thushara 2/35
Kandy Royals – 187/6 (20) Dale Phillips 52, Lahiru Udara 44, Vijay Shankar 41*, Gulbadin Naib 2/19, Mohammed Wasim 2/39
Result – Dambulla Sixers won by 18 runs
 2026 campaign with an impressive 18-run victory over Kandy Royals in the second match of the tournament, played today (18th July) at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.){kind=link}