Sri Lanka survived a late scare to clinch a four-wicket victory over Hong Kong in Match 8 of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday. A spirited batting display from Hong Kong ensured the contest stayed alive until the closing stages, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s explosive cameo of 20 off nine balls proved decisive in taking the Islanders over the line with seven balls to spare.
Hong Kong’s Innings: Nizakat Khan Steals the Spotlight
Put in to bat, Hong Kong made a brisk start, racing to 41 inside the first five overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Zeeshan Ali played the aggressor, striking a lively 23 off 17 balls before his departure triggered a brief slowdown.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back with quick wickets:
- Babar Hayat fell cheaply for just four, leaving Hong Kong at 57/2 in the ninth over.
- The momentum shifted again when Anshuman Rath joined skipper Nizakat Khan, with the pair stitching together a vital 61-run stand from 43 deliveries.
Rath’s patient knock of 48 off 46 balls anchored the innings, while Nizakat played with flair, finishing unbeaten on 52 from 38 balls, laced with four boundaries and two towering sixes. Their partnership lifted Hong Kong to a competitive 149/4 in 20 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers with two scalps, while Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with one wicket each.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: Early Wobbles and Middle-Order Struggles
Chasing 150, Sri Lanka expected a straightforward pursuit, but Hong Kong’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding made life difficult for the Islanders.
- Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis looked steady but couldn’t accelerate as much as they would have liked.
- The pressure of a rising required run rate saw the Sri Lankan top order lose wickets at crucial moments.
At 100/5, the match was finely balanced. Hong Kong sensed a real opportunity to cause a major upset in what would have been their biggest win on the international stage.
Hasaranga’s Cameo Seals the Deal
Just as the tension peaked, Wanindu Hasaranga shifted gears. Known for his all-round brilliance, Hasaranga lived up to his reputation by smashing 20 runs off just nine deliveries, turning the tide decisively in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Supported by the lower order, Hasaranga ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line in 18.5 overs, securing a hard-fought four-wicket win.
Playing XIs
Hong Kong XI: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Shahid Wasif, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.
Head-to-Head Context
Interestingly, this clash marked the first-ever T20I meeting between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. While Sri Lanka’s experience eventually shone through, Hong Kong walked away with plenty of positives, particularly their batting resilience and ability to hold their nerve against a top-tier Asian side.
- Sri Lanka’s form: They entered this contest on the back of a confident six-wicket win over Bangladesh.
- Hong Kong’s form: Coming into the game, they had endured heavy defeats against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, but their spirited fight against Sri Lanka will give them encouragement.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Nizakat Khan’s Composed Knock – His unbeaten 52 showed leadership and maturity, guiding Hong Kong to a total that made Sri Lanka sweat.
- Sri Lanka’s Middle-Order Concerns – Losing wickets in clusters during the chase will worry the management as tougher fixtures await.
- Hasaranga’s All-Round Value – Once again, Hasaranga underlined why he is one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful cricketers. His ability to turn games around in minutes makes him indispensable.
- Hong Kong’s Progress – Despite the loss, Hong Kong showcased their growing potential on the big stage, proving they are no pushovers.
Also Read: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Hong Kong Push Back as Sri Lanka Stumble in Chase
A Warning Sign for Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka managed to get across the line, this performance highlighted certain vulnerabilities:
- Their batting depth looked shaky, with the middle order struggling to control the chase against disciplined bowling.
- The top order’s inability to dominate early overs left the lower order with unnecessary pressure.
- Against stronger teams like India or Afghanistan, such stumbles could cost them dearly.
For Hong Kong, the match was a confidence booster. Unlike their one-sided losses earlier in the tournament, this was a performance where they competed toe-to-toe for large parts of the game.
What’s Next?
- Sri Lanka will aim to iron out their inconsistencies before facing tougher opposition in the group stages.
- Hong Kong, though already underdogs in this competition, can build on this fighting display and continue to test established teams.
Final Word
The Dubai clash turned out to be much closer than many anticipated. Sri Lanka’s four-wicket victory over Hong Kong was far from straightforward, with Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath giving the Islanders plenty to think about. Ultimately, it was Wanindu Hasaranga’s late fireworks that separated the two sides.
For fans, the match was another reminder of why T20 cricket is so thrilling: even when the odds are stacked, underdogs like Hong Kong can push favorites to the brink. And for Sri Lanka, the result is both a relief and a wake-up call as they eye deeper progress in the Asia Cup 2025.
