[WATCH]- Wanindu Hasaranga Earns Praise For Withdrawing Run-Out Appeal In True Spirit Of Cricket

A heartwarming act of sportsmanship stole the spotlight during Match 13 of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 between the Jaffna Kings and Kandy Royals. In a crucial moment of the first innings, Kandy Royals captain Wanindu Hasaranga withdrew a run-out appeal against Sri Lankan teammate Avishka Fernando after the batter was involved in an unfortunate deflection, earning widespread admiration from fans.

Hasaranga’s gesture allowed Fernando to continue his innings, adding another memorable chapter to a match that featured impressive individual performances as well as ongoing off-field controversy involving the franchise owners.

Wanindu Hasaranga Showcases True Sportsmanship At The Non-Striker’s End

The defining moment came in the seventh over of the Jaffna Kings’ innings (6.3 overs). Wanindu Hasaranga bowled a leg-break outside off stump to Kamil Mishara, who drove the ball firmly straight back down the ground. The shot struck non-striker Avishka Fernando’s bat at the other end and deflected back towards the bowler.

Hasaranga reacted swiftly by collecting the ball and dislodging the stumps with Fernando outside his crease. Although the on-field umpire initially gave the batter out, Hasaranga promptly withdrew the appeal after recognizing that the dismissal resulted from an unfortunate deflection.

His decision to allow Fernando to resume his innings was widely applauded by commentators, fellow players, and fans for exemplifying the true spirit of the game.

Jaffna Kings' Avishka Fernando was run out at non-strikers end, after ball played by Kamil Mishara hit the bat of Fernando and deflected to Kandy Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga.

The umpire gave him out, but Hasaranga turns down the appeal, for Fernando to continue, who went on to…

— The CricHub (@thecrichub_live) July 27, 2026

Jaffna Kings Stay In Control Despite The Incident

Avishka Fernando made full use of the lifeline, playing a key role in a commanding opening stand with Kamil Mishara. The duo added 129 runs for the first wicket, with Fernando smashing 66 off 36 balls. Mishara led the charge with a brilliant 78 from 53 deliveries, laced with six fours and four sixes.

Towhid Hridoy then provided the finishing touches with a brisk 35, helping the Jaffna Kings post an imposing 199/4 in their 20 overs. Chasing 200, the Kandy Royals struggled from the outset and slipped to 75/5 before the halfway stage of the innings.

Lahiru Udara fought a lone battle with a 54-run effort, while Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with 22. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to deliver as the Royals were bowled out for 106, handing the Jaffna Kings a convincing 93-run victory.

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