Nissanka helped Sri Lanka win a close match against a careless Hong Kong team

Nissanka helped Sri Lanka win a close match against a careless Hong Kong team

Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong: Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a brilliant 68 off 44, while Wanindu Hasaranga provided key support with 20 runs. Together, they guided Sri Lanka to 153/6 in 18.5 overs.

Sri Lanka managed to escape a surprise defeat against Hong Kong, the lowest-ranked team in their group, thanks to a solid fifty from Pathum Nissanka and a late cameo by Wanindu Hasaranga. Chasing 150, Sri Lanka stumbled in the final overs but had enough firepower to cross the line with Hasaranga finishing things off.

Hong Kong impressed in both batting and bowling. Anshy Rath played a steady knock of 48, while Nizakat Khan was more aggressive, scoring an unbeaten 52 off 38 balls. Their efforts helped Hong Kong post a competitive total of 149 for 4 a strong finish for their last game of the tournament.

Sri Lanka’s Chase Gets Shaky

Nissanka anchored the chase with 68 off 44 balls, despite being dropped three times on 43, 63, and 68. He played smart cricket, especially using the lap-scoop to target fine leg. This was his third T20I fifty in five innings, continuing a great run of form across formats.

Sri Lanka looked comfortable at 127 for 2 after 15 overs, needing just 32 from 30 balls. But then came a collapse. Nissanka was run out going for a risky second run. Kusal Perera was trapped lbw next ball by Yasim Murtaza. Charith Asalanka sliced one to short third, and Kamindu Mendis holed out on the first ball of the 18th over. Suddenly, Sri Lanka had lost four wickets for just nine runs and still needed 23 off 17 balls.

Hasaranga Saves the Day

Wanindu Hasaranga walked in under pressure but made an instant impact. He got a free hit early in his innings and smashed it straight into the sightscreen. In the next over, he hit a crisp four through cover and followed it up with another boundary down the ground. He finished unbeaten on 20 off just 8 balls, showing calm and class when it mattered most.

Hong Kong’s Best Showing Yet

Earlier, Hong Kong’s batting was led by Rath’s patient 48 and Nizakat’s attacking 52*. Rath played mostly in front of the wicket, while Nizakat used his wrists to find gaps and accelerate in the final overs. This was Nizakat’s first T20I fifty against a full member nation a proud moment for him and his team.

Hong Kong’s bowlers also gave Sri Lanka a real challenge. They picked up quick wickets and kept the pressure on. But poor catching including multiple drops of Nissanka and Perera cost them dearly. At the death, they made a few errors, and Sri Lanka’s depth proved too strong.