Kandy Royals recorded their first win of the Lanka Premier League 2026, beating Dambulla Sixers by 43 runs in the opening match of the tournament’s Dambulla leg at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday (July 21).
Batting first, the Royals posted an imposing 194 for 6 in their 20 overs. Opener Lahiru Udara led the charge with his second successive half-century, anchoring the innings and setting a demanding target under lights.
In reply, Dambulla Sixers were restricted to 151 for 8, falling well short of the 195 required. The chase never gained momentum after the Royals’ bowlers tightened their grip through the middle overs, with Thushara the standout performer, claiming four wickets to derail the home side’s run pursuit.
The result, according to the ESPNcricinfo scorecard, hands Kandy Royals a timely boost after a difficult start to the competition. The night fixture marked the beginning of the LPL’s move to Dambulla, one of several venues hosting the franchise-based Twenty20 tournament this season.
Dambulla Sixers, meanwhile, will look to regroup as the Dambulla leg continues.