LPL 2026, Match 6: Kandy Royals Predicted Playing XI

The Kandy Royals take on the Dambulla Sixers in a reverse fixture in Match 6 of the 2026 Lanka Premier League on Tuesday, July 21, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla. This is the first game of the season set to be played at the venue. The two teams met in their season opener, where the Sixers emerged victorious by 18 runs.

The Sixers put on 205 for 6 after electing to bat, courtesy of Reeza Hendricks’ brilliant 87 and late fireworks from Gulbadin Naib. The Royals fell short of the total despite late fireworks from Wanindu Hasaranga and Vijay Shankar, and a half-century from Dale Phillips.

Here is the predicted playing XI for the Kandy Royals vs Dambulla Sixers

Top order: Vishen Halambage, Kusal Perera (impact), Lahiru Udara (wk)

Batter Vishen Halambage was unable to make a significant contribution in the first match of the series. His partner, Kusal Perera, came in as the impact player in the Royals’ batting innings and is an internationally experienced batter who can hit a long ball and score with intent. Wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara stabilised the chase after losing the openers, scoring a 28-ball 44.

Middle order: Dale Phillips, Angelo Mathews (capt), Vijay Shankar, Wanindu Hasaranga,

Dale Phillips top-scored for the Royals with a brilliant 52 off 39 balls, but his innings went in vain as the Royals were unable to make it past the total. Angelo Mathews adds experience with both bat and ball and will be looking to contribute to the team. Vijay Shankar’s 18-ball 41 kept the Royals in the hunt, with the Indian all-rounder hitting three fours and three sixes. Wanindu Hasaranga is the team’s lead spinner and contributed with the bat as well, despite going wicketless.

Lower order/bowlers: Dushan Hemantha, Muditha Lakshan, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 26 in four overs with his leg-spin bowling. All-rounder Muditha Lakshan did not get an opportunity to contribute in the first game. Asitha Fernando was expensive in his bowling, picking up one wicket while going for 52 runs in four overs. Nuwan Thushara’s slingy action yielded him figures of 2 for 35 from four overs. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up an early wicket but was unable to make further inroads with the ball.

Predicted Kandy Royals XI vs Dambulla Sixers for the third ODI:

Vishen Halambage, Lahiru Udara (wk), Dale Phillips, Angelo Mathews (capt), Vijay Shankar, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha, Muditha Lakshan, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Impact Player: Kusal Perera

FAQs

When and where will the match be played?

The Match will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla. The game is set to commence on Saturday, July 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM (Local time and IST)

What could be a winning score in this match?

The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla has a wicket on the slower end, which could favour spinners and pacers alike. A score of 170-180 could be a competitive score on this pitch.

Which Kandy Royals player can make the biggest difference?

All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to play a key role in this match, contributing with his leg spin and with late blows with the bat.