LPL, 17th match, 29 Jul 2026- Colombo Kaps Edge Dambulla Sixers by 4 Wickets in Thrilling Encounter

Reeza Hendricks Anchors Dambulla Sixers to 174/5

After being sent in to bat, Dambulla Sixers recovered from an early collapse to post a competitive 174/5 in 20 overs.

The Sixers lost both Sahibzada Farhan (2) and Dinesh Chandimal (12) inside the first four overs, putting the team under pressure.

South African opener Reeza Hendricks steadied the innings with a superb 80 off 54 balls, striking 9 fours and 3 sixes. He built important partnerships with Sikandar Raza, who added 23 off 25 balls, before Gulbadin Naib provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 33 off just 13 deliveries, smashing 4 boundaries and 2 sixes.

Ramesh Mendis remained unbeaten on 6, helping the Sixers finish with a strong total.

Dahani and Mujeeb Impress with the Ball

Colombo Kaps' bowling attack kept the scoring under control despite Hendricks' outstanding innings.

Shahnawaz Dahani claimed 2 wickets, removing both Farhan and Chandimal early in the innings.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered an economical spell of 1/16 from four overs, while Malsha Tharupathi and Milan Rathnayaka picked up one wicket each.

Rubin Hermann Gives Kaps a Flying Start

Chasing 175, Colombo Kaps began aggressively.

Rubin Hermann smashed 48 off just 26 balls, hitting 8 fours and a six, while wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed 26 from 16 balls, giving the Kaps a rapid start.

The opening partnership laid the perfect platform for the chase.

Kamindu Mendis Leads the Middle Order

After the quick wickets of Hermann and Samarawickrama, captain Kamindu Mendis played a composed innings of 39 from 28 balls, striking 5 fours and a six.

Ben McDermott also made a valuable 33 off 22 balls, keeping the required run rate under control before falling in the 15th over.

Although Dambulla Sixers briefly fought back with quick wickets, Ashen Bandara (10)* and Milan Rathnayaka (15 off 10)* calmly guided Colombo Kaps to 177/6 in 19 overs, sealing victory with 6 balls remaining.

Sixers Bowlers Could Not Defend the Target

The Dambulla bowlers picked up wickets regularly but were unable to stop the flow of runs.

Dushmantha Chameera: 2/32
Akila Dananjaya: 2/32
Ramesh Mendis: 1/24
Sonal Dinusha: 1/8

Despite the breakthroughs, Colombo's aggressive batting ensured the chase stayed on course.

Match Summary
Result Colombo Kaps won by 4 wickets
Dambulla Sixers 174/5 (20 overs)
Colombo Kaps 177/6 (19 overs)
Player of the Match Rubin Hermann (48 off 26 balls)
Key Performers
Dambulla Sixers
Reeza Hendricks – 80 (54)
Gulbadin Naib – 33* (13)
Sikandar Raza – 23 (25)
Colombo Kaps
Rubin Hermann – 48 (26)
Kamindu Mendis – 39 (28)
Ben McDermott – 33 (22)
Milan Rathnayaka – 15* (10)
Turning Point

Rubin Hermann's explosive start gave Colombo Kaps early momentum, while the partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Ben McDermott ensured the required run rate never became unmanageable. Even after losing three quick wickets in the closing stages, Ashen Bandara and Milan Rathnayaka kept their composure to complete the chase.

Final Thoughts

The Kandy crowd witnessed another entertaining high-scoring contest in LPL 2026. Reeza Hendricks' classy 80 and Gulbadin Naib's late fireworks helped Dambulla Sixers post a competitive total, but Colombo Kaps produced a complete batting performance to chase it down. With contributions from nearly every batter, the Kaps secured an important four-wicket victory and gained valuable momentum in the tournament.