Sri Lanka almost avoided a big upset as they defeated Hong Kong by four wickets in the Asia Cup 2025’s eighth match at the Dubai International Stadium. The Sri Lankan captain won the toss and chose to field first, but Hong Kong put up a fight.
Hong Kong’s openers gave the tea team a solid start before Zeeshan Ali was removed for 23. Babar Hayat fell cheaply, but Anshuman Rath and Nizakat Khan held the innings together with an important stand. Rath scored 48 runs, falling just short of a half-century, while Nizakat batted undefeated for 52 off 38 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes. Hong Kong scored an impressive 149/4 in 20 overs. Dushmantha Chameera was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, scoring 2/29.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was led by opener Pathum Nissanka, who remained composed despite regular wickets at the other end. Nissanka rode his luck after being given multiple life, scoring 68 from 44 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Despite poor fielding earlier in the game, Hong Kong’s bowlers maintained the pressure on during the dying overs. Wanindu Hasaranga, on the other hand, reclaimed the initiative by hitting a quickfire 20 from nine balls to seal victory.
Yasim Murtaza shone for Hong Kong, scoring 2/37, but his efforts were unable to stop Sri Lanka. The win was Sri Lanka’s second of the tournament, while Hong Kong suffered their third consecutive defeat, effectively ending their season.
Key moments from HK vs SL, Match 8 of Asia Cup 2025:
1. Nizakat takes charge for Hong Kong
The middle-order batter Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath steadied Hong Kong’s innings and kept the runs flowing after early setbacks. Nizakat played a composed knock of 52* off 38 balls studded with four boundaries and two sixes, ensuring his side reached a competitive total.
సూపర్ హిట్టింగ్తో అదరగొట్టిన Nizakat Khan 💥
చూడండి #SLvHKC లైవ్
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2. Nissanka’s fifty guides Sri Lanka to victory
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka once again rose to the occasion, registering his second half-century of the Asia Cup 2025. He anchored the innings with a fluent 68 off 44 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes. While wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Nissanka’s composure ensured Sri Lanka stayed on track in their chase.
Pathum Nissanka… how good can you be? 🥵🔝
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— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 15, 2025
3. Hong Kong put Sri Lanka under pressure
Hong Kong’s bowlers showcased great discipline with tight lines and lengths, applying immense pressure on the Sri Lankan batters. In the death overs, they triggered a mini-collapse by claiming four quick wickets in just three overs. Pathum Nissanka’s run-out was followed by the dismissals of Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis, leaving the Islanders momentarily rattled before they eventually held their nerve.
லங்கன் Lions-க்கு Hong Kong China நல்லா பதிலடி கொடுத்தாங்க 🥵
📺காணுங்கள் #SLvHKC உங்கள் சோனி ஸ்போர்ட்ஸ் நேரலை டிவி சேனல் & சோனி லைவ்#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/SR5v4LAg9G
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 15, 2025
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