Pathum Nissanka’s 68 Guides Sri Lanka to Victory Over Hong Kong :
The Hongkong vs Srilanka clash in the Asia Cup 2025 turned out to be a thriller at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday, 15th September. Under the warm evening temperature of 33°, Sri Lanka chased down Hong Kong’s competitive total with 7 balls to spare, sealing a crucial win by 4 wickets in Match 8 of the tournament.
Sri Lanka’s opener Pathum Nissanka stole the spotlight with a fluent 68 off just 44 deliveries, earning the Player of the Match award. Despite Hong Kong’s disciplined bowling effort, Sri Lanka’s batting depth and composure helped them cross the finish line at 153/6 in 18.5 overs, after Hong Kong posted 149/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Hong Kong’s Steady Batting Display :
Batting first, Hong Kong approached the innings with caution and confidence. They built partnerships steadily, ensuring they had wickets in hand for the final overs. Their top and middle-order contributed consistently, taking the team to a competitive 149/4.
While no batter produced a single big knock, the collective effort kept the scoreboard moving. Hong Kong looked set to defend the total with sharp fielding and disciplined spells from their bowlers.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Led by Nissanka :
In the Honkong vs Srilanka battle, it was Sri Lanka’s opener Pathum Nissanka who anchored the chase. His 68 from 44 balls included six crisp boundaries and two towering sixes. Nissanka’s timing and placement neutralized the early pressure created by Hong Kong’s bowlers.
Though wickets fell at regular intervals — including Kusal Mendis (11 off 14), Kamil Mishara (19 off 18), and skipper Charith Asalanka (2 off 5) — Nissanka held firm at the crease. His strike rate of 154.54 ensured Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required run rate throughout the innings.
Crucial Middle-Order Contributions :
After Nissanka’s dismissal at 119/3 in the 15th over, the match looked evenly poised. Within the next few deliveries, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Perera and Asalanka, creating nervous moments for the chasing side.
However, Dasun Shanaka (6 off 3) provided a quick cameo, while the explosive Wanindu Hasaranga sealed the game with a blistering 20 off 9 balls, including two fours and a six. Hasaranga’s aggressive approach erased any doubts, and Sri Lanka crossed the target with an over to spare.
Hong Kong’s Bowling Effort :
Despite ending on the losing side, Hong Kong bowlers showcased commendable effort.
- Yasim Murtaza was the standout performer, taking 2 wickets for 37 runs in his 4 overs. His dismissal of Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis created tension in the Sri Lankan camp.
- Ayush Shukla and Aizaz Khan chipped in with one wicket each, keeping the chase competitive.
- Veteran Ehsan Khan bowled a tight spell of 4 overs, conceding only 25 runs and dismissing Asalanka at a crucial stage.
Their combined effort ensured Sri Lanka could not cruise to victory and had to fight for every run.
Fall of Wickets – Sri Lanka’s Innings :
- 26/1 (Kusal Mendis, 4.0 overs)
- 62/2 (Kamil Mishara, 9.3 overs)
- 119/3 (Pathum Nissanka, 15.1 overs)
- 119/4 (Kusal Perera, 15.2 overs)
- 122/5 (Charith Asalanka, 16.2 overs)
- 127/6 (Kamindu Mendis, 17.1 overs)
These wickets show how Sri Lanka’s chase faced several stumbling blocks before being steadied by Hasaranga and Shanaka.
Key Takeaways from Honkong vs Srilanka :
- Pathum Nissanka’s Dominance – His 68 off 44 was the defining knock of the match, setting the base for Sri Lanka’s win.
- Hong Kong’s Competitive Spirit – Despite being the underdogs, Hong Kong pushed Sri Lanka to the limit with smart bowling changes and disciplined fielding.
- Hasaranga’s Finishing Touch – His quickfire 20 runs underlined his value as a power-hitter and match-finisher.
- Sri Lanka’s Middle-Order Fragility – Quick wickets in the middle overs exposed a slight weakness that stronger teams could target in the later stages of the Asia Cup.
Conclusion :
The Honkong vs Srilanka encounter was a perfect example of how emerging teams like Hong Kong can challenge established cricketing nations. While Sri Lanka clinched victory by 4 wickets, the spirited performance from Hong Kong left fans impressed.
Sri Lanka will take confidence from their batting depth and Nissanka’s form as they look forward to the next stages of the Asia Cup 2025. Meanwhile, Hong Kong can walk away with pride, knowing they stretched a major cricketing nation to the brink under the Dubai lights.
With this result, Sri Lanka remains a strong contender for the Asia Cup title, while Hong Kong’s fighting spirit continues to win hearts across the cricketing world.
*Source: ICC
*Image Source : x.com/ICC
