Colombo Kaps claimed their first victory of the Lanka Premier League 2026 after completing a dramatic six wicket chase against Kandy Royals at the SSC Grounds in Colombo on 19 July.
Batting first, Kandy Royals reached 179 from their 20 overs, built around three important innings. Lahiru Udara gave them a bright beginning with 53 from 36 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six. Angelo Mathews then steadied the middle phase with 45 from 41 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes. Moeen Ali added the final burst, hammering 41 from only 17 balls with one four and four sixes at a strike rate of 241.17.
Colombo Kaps prevented the total from moving beyond reach through an excellent pace bowling effort. Binura Fernando collected four wickets, while Hasan Mahmud claimed three, giving their batters a realistic target.
The chase, however, began disastrously. Colombo slipped to 67 for 4 after 10 overs, while captain Kusal Mendis retired hurt on two. At that stage, Kandy appeared firmly in control.
Janith Liyanage and James Neesham then changed the entire contest with a superb unbroken fifth wicket partnership. They added 115 runs from 60 balls, combining calm placement with timely aggression as the required rate continued to rise under mounting pressure.
Liyanage finished unbeaten on 53 from 32 deliveries, striking six fours and one six. Neesham remained not out on 48 from 36 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes.
Their partnership carried Colombo home with six wickets remaining and completed one of the most impressive recoveries of the early tournament. After losing their opening match, the Kaps responded with composure under pressure and earned their first points of the season. For Kandy Royals, the defeat was especially painful after controlling most of the chase before Liyanage and Neesham produced a match winning rescue.
