SL vs HK: Pathum Nissanka’s composed fifty and Wanindu Hasaranga’s late flourish help Sri Lanka survive Hong Kong scare in Asia Cup 2025

Opener Pathum Nissanka's half-century helped Sri Lanka to register a four-wicket win against Hong Kong in their second consecutive Group Stage clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Hong Kong, which earlier lost their tournament opener against Afghanistan, are all but out of the Super Four race after suffering a loss against Sri Lanka. 

Chasing 150 on a slow pitch, Sri Lanka didn’t have the smoothest ride. Nissanka, however, held one end together with a well-paced fifty off 44 balls. He timed his acceleration beautifully, initially playing defensively and then picking up pace after the halfway mark. His 57-run partnership with Kusal Perera (20) helped the side to shift the momentum of the game after early wickets of Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara.

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Sri Lanka, who managed to score 65 runs in 10 overs, added 42 runs in the next three overs as Nissanka and Perera started smashing bowlers to all over the ground. Nissanka was dropped twice, once on 40 and again on 60, and he made the most of those chances, placing his big shots smartly, especially through the square leg region.

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However, when it seemed that the 2022 Asia Cup winners were on the verge of winning, Hong Kong struck back. They removed Nissanka, Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and captain Charith Asalanka in quick succession. In just an eight-run gap, Sri Lanka went from 119 for two to 127 for six, giving Hong Kong a sniff at an upset.

Experienced Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga played a calm and composed cameo, scoring 20 not out off just 9 balls to take his team home with seven balls to spare.

Earlier, Hong Kong posted a competitive total of 149 for four after being asked to bat first. Captain Nizakat Khan led from the front with an unbeaten 52 off 38 balls, while Anshuman Rath added 48. Their 61-run stand for the third wicket was the highlight of Hong Kong’s innings, as both batters rotated the strike well and played to their strengths.

Zeeshan Ali also chipped in with a quick 23 at the top, helping Hong Kong get off to a flying start with 38 runs in the first four overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back, with Dushmantha Chameera taking 2 for 29 and Hasaranga grabbing a key wicket.

Brief Scores:

Hong Kong: 149 for 4 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 52 not out, Anshuman Rath 48; Dushmantha Chameera 2/29).

Sri Lanka: 153 for 6 in 18.5 overs (Pathum Nissanka 68; Yasim Murtaza 2/37).