Karunaratne’s Gutsy knock Powers Galle Gallants to 43-run win over Dambulla Sixers

Chamika Karunaratne’s blistering 72 off 34 balls powered Galle Gallants to a commanding 43-run victory over Dambulla Sixers in the 14th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 on Sunday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium .

Set a daunting target of 221, the Sixers were restricted to 176-6 in their 20 overs despite a brisk start from their openers .

Sahibzada Farhan and Niroshan Dickwella provided early fireworks, adding 49 runs in the first three overs. Farhan scored 11 while Dickwella struck seven fours in his 32 off 19 balls . However, after the bright start, Gallants’ bowlers made a solid comeback to seize control of the chase .

Sachindu Colombage sparked a collapse that reduced the Sixers to 98-6 inside 13 overs . Ramesh Mendis provided a flicker of hope with an unbeaten 39 off 22 balls, including a six and half a dozen fours, but with the asking rate climbing steeply, the task proved too steep for Dambulla .

Earlier, opting to bat first, the Gallants demonstrated a commanding batting display, racking up 220-6 in their 20 overs . Sam Harper and Nurul Hasan raced to 40 in just 3.3 overs, with Hasan striking five fours and a six in his 29 off 13 deliveries .

Following the early wicket, Charith Asalanka joined Harper in a half-century stand that took the total near the 100-run mark. Both batters made 31 and 41, respectively, before the Sixers removed the pair in the ninth over, leaving Gallants at 108-3 at the halfway mark .

Just when Dambulla seemed to have stemmed the flow, Karunaratne launched a late assault, smashing six maximums and four boundaries in his 34-ball knock to propel the Gallants to a daunting total . For Dambulla Sixers, Dushmantha Chameera was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets .

The comprehensive victory strengthens Gallants’ position in the LPL standings, while Dambulla will need to regroup after a disappointing batting collapse .