Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Survive Scare to Beat Hong Kong by Four Wickets
Dubai, September 15, 2025 — Sri Lanka avoided a major upset in the Asia Cup after edging past Hong Kong by four wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday. A late cameo from Wanindu Hasaranga sealed the win and kept the former champions on track in the tournament.
Nervy Finish After Strong Start
Chasing 150 runs, Sri Lanka appeared to be cruising at 119 for two with just 31 runs required off the final 30 deliveries. However, a sudden collapse saw them lose four wickets for just eight runs, putting the match back in the balance.
Hasaranga then stepped up under pressure, smashing an unbeaten 20 off just 9 balls, including two boundaries and a six, to guide his team home with seven balls to spare.
Nissanka Leads the Way Again
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka was once again Sri Lanka’s star performer with the bat. He scored a fluent 68 off 44 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes. With this knock, Nissanka became the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 118 runs in two matches.
He did ride his luck, being dropped on 22, 58, and 59 before eventually being run out.
Hong Kong Fight Hard But Fielding Costs Them
Hong Kong put up a spirited performance but were undone by five dropped catches, which proved costly in the end. Skipper Yasim Murtaza admitted after the game:
“It was a very good performance but we’re disappointed we dropped so many catches.”
Earlier, Hong Kong posted a competitive 149 for four thanks to half-centuries from Nizakat Khan (52)* and Anshuman Rath (48). Pacer Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of Sri Lanka’s bowlers with two wickets.
Group Standing
The win takes Sri Lanka to the top of Group B, almost guaranteeing their place in the next round with one game left to play.
Match Summary
Hong Kong – 149/4 (20 overs)
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Nizakat Khan 52*
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Anshuman Rath 48
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Chameera 2/29
Sri Lanka – 153/6 (18.5 overs)
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Pathum Nissanka 68
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Wanindu Hasaranga 20*
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Yasim Murtaza 2/37
Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets.
