Lanka Premier League: Colombo Kaps record thrilling win

By M. Shamil Amit

Colombo Kaps pulled off a thrilling six-wicket win over Kandy Royals with two balls to spare in the fifth match of the Lanka Premier League, played under floodlights at the SSC Grounds yesterday.

The heroes of the victory were Janith Liyanage, who struck an unbeaten 53 off 32 balls, including six boundaries and a six, and James Neesham, who remained unbeaten on 48 off 36 deliveries, with five boundaries and two sixes.

The pair shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 115 runs in just 60 balls as Colombo Kaps successfully chased down the 180-run target to record their first win of the tournament.

Batting first, Kandy Royals posted a challenging total of 179. Their innings was built around two valuable partnerships.

Lahiru Udara, who struck a quick-fire 53 off 36 balls with eight boundaries and a six, added 51 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Angelo Mathews. Mathews then shared a 65-run fifth-wicket partnership with Moeen Ali, helping Kandy Royals reach a competitive total.