Sri Lanka narrowly escaped an upset against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup 2025 encounter, securing a four-wicket victory on September 15 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Despite the outcome, Hong Kong’s performance showcased resilience, though they faltered with several missed opportunities, dropping six catches throughout the match.
Hong Kong scored a competitive total of 149/4, with Nizakat Khan leading the charge by making 52 runs off 38 balls, becoming only the second player from his team to achieve a fifty-plus score in the T20 Asia Cup, following Babar Hayat. Anshuman Rath supported Khan with a solid contribution of 48 runs from 46 balls.
Defensively, Hong Kong made early inroads, with Ayush Shukla claiming Kusal Mendis in the fourth over and Aizaz Khan dismissing Kamil Mishara in the tenth over, leaving Sri Lanka at a precarious 62/2. Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings, forming a crucial 57-run partnership with Kusal Perera. Both batsmen benefited from lapses in the field, with Nissanka being dropped four times and Perera twice.
Sri Lanka appeared to be in control until Nissanka was run out while attempting a quick single. Subsequent wickets tumbled as Yasim Murtaza trapped Perera leg before wicket, and Ehsan Khan dismissed Charith Asalanka, followed by Murtaza’s removal of Kamindu Mendis. From a strong position of 119/2, Sri Lanka found themselves in a difficult spot at 127/6 in 17.1 overs.
However, a pivotal no-ball from Murtaza allowed Wanindu Hasaranga, making his first appearance in the Asia Cup 2025, to hit a six on the free hit. Hasaranga finished unbeaten on 20 from nine balls, with Dasun Shanaka remaining not out at six from three as Sri Lanka clinched a win, avoiding a significant upset.
