Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Edges Hong Kong in Thriller.

  • September 15, 2025

In a contest that presented more difficulties than initially projected, Sri Lanka navigated through several stumbling blocks to achieve a four-wicket triumph against Hong Kong during their Asia Cup 2025 Group B face-off in Dubai. Pursuing a target of 150, the Lankan Lions encountered some setbacks, yet a remarkable stabilizing innings by opening batsman Pathum Nissanka along with a brisk, late contribution from Wanindu Hasaranga enabled them to surpass the threshold. This victory places Sri Lanka at the pinnacle of their group standings with four points, reinforcing their status as frontrunners for advancement to the Super Four stage.

Hong Kong’s batting provides a resolute challenge

Contrary to assumptions and their preceding pair of defeats, Hong Kong’s batting order demonstrated resilience, establishing a competitive total of 149 runs for the loss of four wickets. Their innings commenced promisingly, with the opening pair, Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath, forging a 41-run alliance before the fall of the first wicket. Despite some dismissals in the intermediate overs, a crucial partnership involving Rath and team captain Nizakat Khan steered them back on course. Rath delivered a commendable innings, scoring 48 runs from 46 deliveries prior to his departure.

Nevertheless, the most notable aspect of the innings was Nizakat’s undefeated half-century, a commanding 52 runs off 38 balls. With this performance, Nizakat joined the ranks of Hong Kong batsmen who have achieved a score exceeding 50 in the T20 Asia Cup, a milestone previously attained by Babar Hayat. His cumulative score in T20Is now amounts to 2,376 runs, marking his 12th half-century in the format.

Also WATCH: Asia Cup 2025: Kusal Mendis’ quick recovery saves the day as Babar Hayat falls short of his crease – SL vs HK

Pathum Nissanka’s anchor knock seals a hard-fought Sri Lankan win

In spite of their favored status, Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the target was far from facile, as they experienced regular wicket losses, necessitating strenuous effort to secure the win. The chase was fundamentally supported by Nissanka, whose outstanding display saw him remain composed despite the constant loss of partners. Nissanka’s steady, unbeaten contribution of 78 runs was the keystone of Sri Lanka’s batting, ensuring they were never excessively behind the required run rate.

A timely cameo by all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who slammed 20* off nine deliveries, provided the final impetus, guiding them across the finish line with six balls to spare. The match witnessed wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis leveling a notable record, equalling the legendary Kumar Sangakkara’s count of 45 dismissals as a wicket-keeper in T20Is. This hardly won victory was crucial for Sri Lanka, propelling them to the group’s summit, thus sealing their spot in the Super Four.

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Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Muhammad Waseem scripts history in T20Is, breaks Jos Buttler’s world record

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