9th match of Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 features Kandy Royals going to each other against Colombo Caps at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Kicking off the afternoon leg of today’s doubleheader, both franchises go into this clash looking to cement their position in the top half of the table.
Having won a convincing victory in 43 series over Dambulla Sixers it was at this very spot that the Royals found their rhythm. Led by Angela Matthewstheir attack was very strong Nuwan Sukhara grabbing four wickets and Vanindu Hasaranga turning into a game changing all-round performance. With firepower of the highest order Lahiru Udara, Moen Aliand Kusal PereraKandy will look to build on their momentum.
Under the captaincy of Kamindu Mendis (replacing the injured Kusal Mendis), Colombo lost a high-octane 5-run thriller against Jaffna Kings in their previous encounter. Despite this slip-up, Colombo have deep batting options James Neesham and Janit Lionageand Ben McDermottalong with a disciplined bowling core Binura Fernando, Hassan Mahmoodand Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
KR vs CK, LPL 2026: Match Details
- Date and time: July 23, 15:00 IST / 9:30 GMT / 15:00 local time
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
KR vs CK battle record
Matches played: 11 | KR won: 3 | CK won: 7 | No result/draw: 1
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium progress report
The surface at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Being an afternoon match in the doubleheader schedule, the pitch is expected to be firm, providing decent pace and true bounce for the batsmen to play their shots during the powerplay. However, when the afternoon heat warms the pitch, the surface tends to dry out and slow down, offering relief to wrist spinners and seamers who rely on a variety of cutters. A target of 170 to 180 runs is considered competitive on this surface and captains who win the toss may prefer to bat first to take advantage of better batting conditions before the innings slows down in the second innings.
Squads:
Kandy Royals: Vishen Halambage, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Udara (w), Dale Phillips, Angela Mathews (c), Vanindu Hasaranga, Vijay Shankar, Dushan Hemanta, Mudita Lakshan, Asita Fernando, Shaheen Afridi, Nuwan Tushara, Moeen Ali, Zaheer Khan, Daniel Sams, Rahman Gurbowls, Issey Brandon McMullentha Wiesundera, Garuka Sanket, Pawan Sandesh, Sahan Mihira
Colombo Keps: Ben McDermott, Kusal Mendis (w/f), Rubin Herrmann, Kamindu Mendis, Janeet Liyanage, Vanuja Sahan, James Neesham, Sadira Samarawickrama, Binura Fernando, Malsha Tharupati, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Harris, Milan Priyanath Ratnayake, Geoffrey Vandersay, Shahnawaz Dahani, Kushal Bhurtel, Hasan Mahmood, Movin Subasingha, Tanuka Dabare, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Arul Pragasam.
ALSO READ: Charit Osalanka and Eshan Malinga beat Galle Gallants over Jaffna Kings in LPL 2026
KR vs CK, LPL 2026, today’s match prediction
Case 1:
- KR win the toss and bat first
- KR powerplay rating: 50-60
- Total score of KR: 170-190
Case 2:
- CK wins the toss and bats first
- CK Rating in Powerplay: 40-50
- Total CK score: 160-170
Prediction for the match: The team to bowl first wins the competition.