Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 ended in an epic clash as Pathum Nissanka’s 68 powered Sri Lanka to a thrilling 4-wicket win. Read full highlights and analysis here.
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: Nissanka Stars in Sri Lanka’s Second Straight Win
Sri Lanka showcased both brilliance and resilience in their second group-stage game of the Asia Cup 2025, overcoming late pressure to beat Hong Kong by 4 wickets. The star of the evening was Pathum Nissanka, whose explosive 68 off 44 balls set the foundation for the chase of 150. Despite a mini-collapse during the death overs, Wanindu Hasaranga applied the finishing touches to seal victory with seven balls remaining.
This win marks Sri Lanka’s second consecutive triumph in Group B, strengthening their push towards the Super Four stage. For Hong Kong, the match was another reminder of missed opportunities — especially after dropping Nissanka four times, which proved decisive.
Hong Kong’s Competitive Total
Winning the toss, Hong Kong batted first and put up a fighting total of 149/4. Openers Anshuman Rath and Zeeshan Ali provided a solid start with sharp running between the wickets. Rath was fluent with his stroke play, falling just two runs short of a half-century with 48, while captain Nizakat Khan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52.
Despite facing a quality bowling attack featuring Dushmantha Chameera and Hasaranga, Hong Kong’s batters displayed maturity. Chameera struck at crucial intervals, but Hong Kong still managed to score nearly 70 runs in the middle overs. In the final stages, Nizakat punished the Sri Lankan pacers, ensuring a competitive finish.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Nissanka the Game-Changer
Chasing 150, Sri Lanka were under early pressure as Hong Kong restricted runs in the PowerPlay. However, once Pathum Nissanka got settled, he shifted gears dramatically. His 35-ball fifty — laced with crisp boundaries and a six — turned the match around.
What stood out was Hong Kong’s fielding lapses. Nissanka was dropped on 22, 40, 63, and 68, allowing him to make full use of his reprieves. By the time he was eventually run out after a miscommunication, the damage had been done.
Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis chipped in, but it was Nissanka’s stroke play against spinners like Ehsan Khan and Aizaz Khan that tilted momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Drama in the Death Overs
With Sri Lanka needing just 32 runs from the final five overs, the game looked wrapped up. However, Hong Kong fought back brilliantly, dismissing four Sri Lankan batters in quick succession. From 121/2, they suddenly slipped to 129/6, raising hopes of a major upset.
Yet, Hasaranga held his nerve, smashing a six off a free-hit before closing the chase with consecutive boundaries off Ateeq Iqbal. His unbeaten 20 ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 153/6 in 18.5 overs.
Key Takeaways from Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025
- Pathum Nissanka’s form is crucial for Sri Lanka as he registered his 18th T20I half-century.
- Hong Kong’s fielding lapses proved costly, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities at this level.
- Sri Lanka’s middle-order fragility in the death overs remains a concern heading into tougher matches.
- Wanindu Hasaranga once again proved his value as a genuine all-rounder.
Brief Scores
- Hong Kong: 149/4 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 52*, Anshuman Rath 48; Chameera 2/29, Hasaranga 1/27)
- Sri Lanka: 153/6 in 18.5 overs (Pathum Nissanka 68, Hasaranga 20*; Yasim Murtaza 2/37)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
