PALLEKELE: Dambulla Sixers were knocked out of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after rain washed out their must-win match against Jaffna Kings on Sunday.
Persistent rain after the first innings prevented any further play, with the umpires eventually calling off the match.
As a result, the final group-stage fixture of the tournament was washed out by rain. As a result, Kandy Royals advanced to the playoffs, sealing the final spot in the Eliminator.
Earlier, Pavan Rathnayake’s brisk knock propelled Dambulla Sixers to a big total. Asked to bat first, Dambulla Sixers batters responded perfectly, racking up 203-8 in 20 overs.
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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 the 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.
