Sri Lanka survived a massive scare in Dubai as they edged past Hong Kong by four wickets in a nervy Asia Cup clash. What should have been a routine victory turned into a thriller thanks to Hong Kong’s resilience with both bat and ball, but their poor catching ultimately cost them the chance to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. Pathum Nissanka’s composed 68 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s explosive cameo ensured Sri Lanka scraped through despite nearly throwing the game away.
Hong Kong batted first and posted a respectable 149 for 4. The innings was anchored by captain Nizakat Khan, who scored a stylish unbeaten 52 off 38 balls, and Anshy Rath, who contributed 48 with patience and precision. The pair combined for an 85-run stand, showcasing skill and determination against Sri Lanka’s seasoned attack. Nizakat was particularly impressive, using his wrists to manipulate the ball through the offside and accelerate in the death overs. Rath, meanwhile, played the anchor role but struggled to find boundaries. Their partnership gave Hong Kong a total worth defending and, more importantly, confidence against higher-ranked opposition.
Sri Lanka’s chase started strongly, with Nissanka taking control. He mixed innovation with traditional strokeplay, especially excelling with the lap-scoop behind short fine leg. This was his third T20I half-century in five innings, underlining his rich form in 2025. Nissanka’s innings, however, was marked by fortune, as he was dropped three times—on 43, 63, and 68—before finally being run out for 68 off 44 balls. His reprieves proved costly for Hong Kong, who also let Kusal Perera off the hook twice in one over.
Despite Nissanka’s anchor role, Sri Lanka never quite looked comfortable. Hong Kong’s bowlers created pressure with disciplined lines, and when Yasim Murtaza and Ehsan Khan combined to trigger a collapse, the underdogs sniffed an opening. Sri Lanka went from 121 for 2 to 127 for 6, losing four wickets in 13 balls. Nissanka’s run-out sparked panic, followed by Perera’s lbw dismissal and quick exits for Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis. Suddenly, Sri Lanka needed 23 off 17 balls with only the lower order left to finish the job.
That’s when Wanindu Hasaranga stepped in. Given a free hit early in his innings, he launched Murtaza into the sightscreen and followed up with crisp boundaries through cover and down the ground. His 20 not out off just 8 balls sealed the chase with four balls to spare, showing once again why he is invaluable as a finisher under pressure.
While Sri Lanka took two crucial points and maintained their winning streak, the performance raised concerns. Their batting lineup looked shaky under pressure, and without Hong Kong’s generosity in the field, the result could have been very different. For Hong Kong, the match was bittersweet. Their bowlers and batters held their own against a full-member side, but their butterfingered fielding let them down. Had they held onto those chances, they might have walked away with the biggest upset of the Asia Cup so far.
Sri Lanka now march forward with momentum but also lessons to learn. Hong Kong exit the tournament with pride, having shown they can punch above their weight, even if they lack the finishing touches to convert effort into wins.
