Dambulla Sixers produced a dominant batting display to defeat Galle Gallants by six wickets in the eighth fixture of the Lanka Premier League 2026 at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on July 22.
Sent in to bat, Galle compiled 178 for 8 from their 20 overs. Sam Harper gave the innings early momentum with an attacking 40 from 22 balls. His knock featured three fours and three sixes, allowing the Gallants to make full use of the opening overs.
Chamika Karunaratne later added stability through the middle phase. He scored 45 from 30 deliveries, finding the rope four times and clearing it twice. His contribution helped Galle move towards a strong total despite regular breakthroughs at the other end.
Fazalhaq Farooqi led Dambulla’s bowling effort with three wickets for 39 runs. His spell prevented the Gallants from accelerating freely during the closing stages and kept the target below 180.
The Sixers responded with confidence and completed the pursuit in only 16.1 overs. Reeza Hendricks once again stood at the centre of the result, striking 64 from 37 balls. The South African batter collected nine fours and one six while registering his second fifty of the competition.
Marques Ackerman supported the chase with 35, while Pavan Rathnayake added an important 29. Their contributions ensured Dambulla maintained control of the required rate and avoided any late pressure.
The result marked a strong recovery for the Sixers and brought Galle’s unbeaten sequence to an end. More importantly, the manner of victory showed Dambulla’s batting depth and ability to chase a demanding score with time to spare. Hendricks’ consistency at the top continues to be a major advantage for the side as the tournament develops. Their bowlers applied pressure at crucial moments before the top order turned the pursuit into a convincing, memorable performance.
