Jaffna Kings beat Kandy Royals by 21 runs after posting 221 for six and surviving a powerful response in the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
Jaffna Kings beat Kandy Royals by 21 runs after surviving a fearless chase in a high-scoring Lanka Premier League contest at Pallekele. Jaffna posted an imposing 221 for six from their 20 overs. Kandy then threatened to pull off a remarkable chase before losing their final wicket on the last ball for 200.
The match produced 421 runs and remained competitive despite Jaffna setting Kandy a target of 222. Kandy won the toss and elected to bowl. However, Jaffna’s opening pair immediately placed the Royals under pressure. Kamil Mishara struck 49 from only 26 deliveries. His aggressive innings included two fours and five sixes.
Avishka Fernando supported him with 36 from 22 balls as the openers added 95 runs. Their partnership gave Jaffna the platform for a major total. Kandy’s bowlers briefly slowed the scoring by removing both openers.
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Chamindu Wickramasinghe Ignites Jaffna Innings
However, Chamindu Wickramasinghe changed the direction of the innings during the closing overs. Wickramasinghe smashed 43 from only 15 balls at a strike rate of 286.67. He struck three fours and four sixes during a destructive late assault. Late hitting lifted Jaffna to 221 for six, giving Kandy a demanding required rate of more than 11 runs per over. Moeen Ali and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each for Kandy. However, the Royals struggled to contain Jaffna during the powerplay and final overs.
Kandy responded with remarkable aggression. The Royals scored 80 runs during the powerplay and briefly appeared capable of completing the chase. Pawan De Silva led the response with 48 from 21 balls. He attacked Jaffna’s bowlers from the beginning and ensured the required rate remained within reach. Lahiru Udara added 30 from 15 deliveries, while Vijay Shankar contributed 25. Shaheen Afridi and captain Hasaranga also scored 24 each.
Kandy continued to find boundaries, but regular wickets prevented them from establishing one decisive partnership. Wellalage delivered the match’s most economical spell. He claimed three wickets for only 11 runs from two overs. Shakib also collected three wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka and Zahoor Khan took two apiece. Kandy entered the final over with a difficult task but continued attacking. The Royals eventually reached 200 before losing their last wicket from the final delivery.
The result confirmed a 21-run victory for Jaffna in one of the tournament’s highest-scoring matches. Cricbuzz recorded Jaffna’s 221 for six and Kandy’s 200, while naming Wickramasinghe Player of the
Match Scores
Jaffna Kings: 221/6 in 20 overs
Kamil Mishara 49, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 43, Avishka Fernando 36; Moeen Ali 2/38, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/37.
Kandy Royals: 200 all out in 20 overs
Pawan Sandesh 48, Lahiru Udara 30, Vijay Shankar 25; Dunith Wellalage 3/11, Shakib Al Hasan 3/43.
Result: Jaffna Kings won by 21 runs.
Player of the Match: Chamindu Wickramasinghe.
