Asia Cup 2025 | Sri Lanka Edge Past Hong Kong by 4 Wickets
Sri Lanka defeated Hong Kong China by 4 wickets in a thrilling Asia Cup 2025 T20 clash at Dubai. Pathum Nissanka’s 68 and Hasaranga’s late cameo sealed victory in a tense chase of 150. Read the full match report, updated scorecard, analysis, and fans’ reactions.
Sri Lanka Survive Scare to Beat Hong Kong China by 4 Wickets in Asia Cup 2025
Match Summary
- Match: Asia Cup 2025 – Group B, 8th Match
- Teams: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China
- Date: 15 September 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets (with 7 balls to spare) chasing 150.
- Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
Full Official Scorecard
Hong Kong China Innings
| Batsman | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeeshan Ali (wk) | 23 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 135.29 |
| Anshuman Rath | 48 | 46 | 4 | 0 | 104.35 |
| Babar Hayat | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Nizakat Khan | 52* | 38 | 4 | 2 | 136.84 |
| Yasim Murtaza (c) | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 125.00 |
| Aizaz Khan | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Extras | 13 (b 1, lb 7, w 4, nb 1) | ||||
| Total | 149/4 (20 overs) |
Hong Kong Bowling
| Bowler | O | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chameera | 4 | 29 | 2 | 7.20 |
| Theekshana | 4 | 22 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Hasaranga | 4 | 27 | 1 | 6.80 |
| Shanaka | 1 | 5 | 1 | 5.00 |
| Asalanka | 3 | 22 | 0 | 7.30 |
| Nuwan Thushara | 4 | 36 | 0 | 9.00 |
Sri Lanka Innings (Chase)
| Batsman | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 68 | 44 | 6 | 2 | 154.55 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 11 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 78.57 |
| Kamil Mishara | 19 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 105.56 |
| Kusal Perera | 20 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 125.00 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 20* | 9 | 2 | 1 | 222.22 |
| Extras | 2 | ||||
| Total | 153/6 (18.5 overs) |
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Hong Kong’s competitive total – Nizakat Khan’s unbeaten 52 and Anshuman Rath’s 48 carried Hong Kong to 149, a fighting total against a top side.
- Sri Lanka’s early wobble in chase – After a flying start by Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis and a few middle-order wickets which created pressure.
- Nissanka’s anchoring innings – His 68 provided the backbone of the innings and ensured Sri Lanka stayed on track despite wickets falling.
- Hasaranga’s late cameo – A blistering 20* off 9 balls sealed the game with 7 balls to spare and killed any chance of a Hong Kong upset.
- Fielding lapses – Dropped catches and extras from Hong Kong tilted momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Post-Match Analysis
- Sri Lanka’s resilience: Even with middle-order hiccups, they showed maturity and patience to chase successfully.
- Hong Kong’s progress: They showed they could challenge bigger teams, with disciplined batting and partnerships.
- Bowling contrasts: Sri Lanka’s bowlers were more consistent, while Hong Kong lacked the penetration to sustain pressure.
- Experience mattered: In crunch moments, Sri Lanka’s experienced players closed the match calmly.
Fans’ Reactions
- Stadium atmosphere for asia cup: Sri Lankan fans celebrated wildly as Hasaranga finished the game. Hong Kong supporters applauded their team’s fighting spirit.
- Social media buzz:
- Praise for Nissanka’s 68 as one of the most composed knocks of the tournament.
- Critics pointed out Hong Kong’s dropped catches as turning points.
- Analysts highlighted that Sri Lanka’s adaptability was the key to their win.
Implications for the Tournament
- Sri Lanka strengthened their position at the top of Group B, qualifying comfortably for the Super Four.
- Hong Kong ended their group stage without a win, but left with respect and valuable lessons.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s 4-wicket victory over Hong Kong China was a tighter contest than expected, underlining the growth of Associate cricket. Pathum Nissanka’s calm 68 and Hasaranga’s fearless finishing cameo defined the night. For Sri Lanka, it was another step toward Asia Cup glory; for Hong Kong, it was proof that they belong on the big stage.
