PALLEKELE: Jaffna Kings posted a massive total against Kandy Royals in the 18th fixture of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Put into bat first, Kings racked up 221-6 in 20 overs, largely due to a big opening stand.
Kamil Mishara and Avishka Fernando shared 95 runs inside seven overs. The former fell one shy of a half-century, smashing five sixes and two fours, whereas Fernando was substituted out before scoring 36 on 22 with the aid of three fours and a six.
After a challenging powerplay, Royals bowlers pulled things back with quick wickets, leaving Kings 139-5 in 14.2 overs.
However, Shakib Al Hasan and Chamindu Wickramasinghe stitched a 59-run partnership off just 23 balls to take their side into a commanding position.
Wickramasinghe struck four sixes and three fours in his 15-ball 43. Shakib made 22 off 16, including a six and a four.
Moeen Ali and Wanindu Hasaranga shared four wickets between them. On the contrary, Shaheen Afridi remained wicketless and conceeded 43 in his three overs.
Playing XIs
Kandy Royals (Playing XI): Lahiru Udara, Kusal Perera(w), Pawan Sandesh, Dale Phillips, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga(c), Dushan Hemantha, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Zahir Khan, Shaheen Afridi
Jaffna Kings (Playing XI): Kamil Mishara(w), Avishka Fernando, Ibrahim Zadran, Dunith Wellalage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa(c), Towhid Hridoy, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Shakib Al Hasan, Traveen Mathew, Mohamed Shiraz, Zahoor Khan
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