Asia Cup 2025: Nissanka’s 68 guides Sri Lanka to nervy win over Hong Kong
Shanaka and Hasaranga steady chase after late wobble in Dubai
DUBAI – Sri Lanka overcame a mid-innings collapse to beat Hong Kong by four wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Chasing 150, the Lankans looked in control at 127 for 3, but a flurry of wickets saw them slip to 127 for 6, giving Hong Kong hope of an upset.
Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga, however, held their composure to take Sri Lanka home in 18.5 overs, finishing on 153 for 6. The win means Sri Lanka remain unbeaten in the tournament.
Sri Lanka seal the win by 4 wickets????
— Sri Lanka Cricket ???????? (@OfficialSLC) September 15, 2025
A classy knock of 68 runs from Pathum Nissanka steers the Lions past Hong Kong. ????????#SriLankaCricket #AsiaCup2025 #SLvHK pic.twitter.com/XKUQaH6isC
Nissanka anchors innings
Opener Pathum Nissanka played the starring role with a fluent 68 off 44 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. His dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, but earlier contributions from Kusal Perera (20) and Hasaranga (20 not out) kept the chase alive. For Hong Kong, captain Yasim Murtaza was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 for 37.
Hong Kong’s strong start
Sent in to bat first, Hong Kong posted 149 for 4 in their 20 overs. Nizakat Khan top-scored with an unbeaten 52, anchoring the innings, while Anshy Rath added 48 and Zeeshan Ali chipped in with 23. The trio provided a solid foundation, though Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to keep the scoring in check during the final overs.
Bowling efforts
For Sri Lanka, pacer Dushmantha Chameera led the attack with figures of 2 for 29. Shanaka and Hasaranga picked up a wicket apiece to restrict Hong Kong’s charge. Despite their disciplined bowling effort, Sri Lanka were pushed hard by Hong Kong before sealing the win with seven balls to spare.