Kandy Falcons vs Dambulla Sixers Prediction & Match Preview – LPL 2nd Match
Match summary
Our Lanka Premier League 2026 preview of Kandy Falcons vs Dambulla Sixers at the SSC, Colombo: form, key players, pitch, weather and verdict.
Match details
| Match | Kandy Falcons vs Dambulla Sixers, 2nd Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Lanka Premier League 2026 |
| Date | 18 Jul 2026 |
| Start time | 3:00 pm local time |
| Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Kandy Falcons |
| Toss pick | Kandy Falcons |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Kandy Falcons play Dambulla Sixers in the second match of the 2026 Lanka Premier League at the SSC in Colombo, with a 3:00 pm local start.
Kandy won the title in 2023 and finished third in the other two recent editions. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with over 1,000 LPL runs in 42 matches at a strike rate of 149, is expected to open with Vishen Halambage, who has 618 runs in 25 domestic T20s at 160. Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera and Moeen Ali provide experience in the middle order. Wanindu Hasaranga has 44 wickets in 30 matches for the franchise, and Shaheen Shah Afridi adds pace, with 362 T20 wickets at 20.99.
Dambulla finished bottom of the LPL 2024 table and have added explosive talent. Reeza Hendricks is expected to open with Sahibzada Farhan, followed by Dinesh Chandimal and an all-round middle order including Shadley van Schalkwyk, Gulbadin Naib, Ramesh Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella. Dushmantha Chameera leads the attack, with 29 wickets in 26 LPL matches, supported by Akila Dananjaya and Maheesh Theekshana.
Dambulla have the firepower to challenge, but consistency is their question. Our preview picks Kandy Falcons.
The SSC pitch is expected to be balanced, with good pace and bounce early and some seam movement with the new ball, before batting gets easier. As the surface dries, spinners can find grip and turn in the middle and later overs. A first-innings total of 160–180 is considered competitive.
The 3:00 pm start is forecast to be warm and humid at around 30–31°C with mostly cloudy skies. A brief passing shower is possible, but prolonged rain looks unlikely, so a full match is expected. Cloud and light to moderate winds may help seamers a little.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–175 | – |
| Second innings | 150–165 | – |
Kandy Falcons
Kandy have the deeper squad, with Gurbaz, Hasaranga and Shaheen Shah Afridi, and look stronger on paper than a Dambulla side seeking consistency.
Toss pick: Kandy Falcons
FAQ
Who is predicted to win Kandy Falcons vs Dambulla Sixers?
Our preview picks Kandy Falcons, who look stronger on paper.
Who is expected to win the toss?
We expect Kandy Falcons to win the toss and bowl first.
What score should defend at the SSC?
Around 170-plus in the first innings gives a strong chance of defending.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Kandy Falcons
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Angelo Mathews
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Vishen Halambage
- Kusal Perera
- Moeen Ali
- Nuwan Thushara
- Asitha Fernando
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Vijay Shankar
- Muditha Lakshan
Dambulla Sixers
- Reeza Hendricks
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Shadley van Schalkwyk
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Gulbadin Naib
- Ramesh Mendis
- Niroshan Dickwella
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Akila Dananjaya
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Fazalhaq Farooqi