PALLEKELE: Pavan Rathnayake’s brisk knock propelled Dambulla Sixers to a big total against Jaffna Kings in the 20th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.
Asked to bat first, Dambulla Sixers batters responded perfectly, racking up 203-8 in 20 overs.
Sahibzada Farhan and Dinesh Chandimal shared 39 on the opening wickets in 3.5 overs before the latter was substituted out after scoring 24 from 19, including a six and three fours.
Soon after, Reeza Hendricks was dismissed for five as Sixers were reduced to 47-2. However, Chandimal and Rathnayake stabilized the innings with a 68-run partnership. The duo brought the total to 115 in 11.1 overs.
Zahoor Khan brought an end to Chandimal’s innings after he was caught for 44. The veteran batter faced 24 deliveries, hitting four sixes and two fours.
Pavan Rathnayake carried on and played a pivotal role in the team’s strong finish. He top-scored with 47 off 28, hitting three fours and two sixes.
For Jaffna Kings, Dilshan Madushanka picked up three wickets.
Playing XIs
Dambulla Sixers: Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Pavan Rathanayake, Akila Dananjaya, Sachitha Jayathilake, Gayana Weerasinghe, Sahibzada Farhan, Reeza Hendricks, Gulbadin Naib, Sikandar Raza
Jaffna Kings: Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Dunith Wellalage, Avishka Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Shakib Al Hasan, Khawaja Nafay, Lizaad Williams, Zahoor Khan