Sri Lanka had to dig deep to avoid an upset against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup clash. Despite being the stronger side on paper, the islanders struggled through patches of the game before finally pulling off a four-wicket win. Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong proved to be the backbone of the chase, while Wanindu Hasaranga’s late fireworks sealed the deal. But the result could easily have gone the other way if Hong Kong had taken their chances in the field.
Hong Kong’s Fight with the Bat
Batting first, Hong Kong showed remarkable spirit against a top cricketing nation. Anshy Rath was steady at the crease, scoring 48 runs in a measured knock. His approach was cautious, rarely going above a run-a-ball, but he ensured that wickets did not fall cheaply. Interestingly, only four of his runs came behind the wicket, showing how controlled and disciplined his stroke play was.
At the other end, captain Nizakat Khan played with aggression and flair. Using his strong wrists, he whipped balls to the leg side and carved boundaries through the offside. Nizakat was dropped twice, but he made full use of his chances, smashing 52 not out from just 38 balls. This was his first T20I fifty against a full-member nation, a personal milestone that will remain special for him and for Hong Kong cricket.
The partnership between Rath and Nizakat gave Hong Kong a solid foundation. They took their team to 149 for 4 in 20 overs, a score that was competitive given the difference in experience and ranking between the two sides. For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera was the most effective bowler, finishing with 2 for 29. But the focus remained on how Sri Lanka would respond, especially with Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong waiting to make an impact.
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Nissanka Leads Sri Lanka’s Chase
Chasing 150, Sri Lanka began with confidence as opener Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong showed his class once again. He looked in command, playing smart strokes and rotating the strike while also finding boundaries at crucial moments. His lap scoops behind short fine leg were especially effective whenever the Hong Kong bowlers strayed on his pads.
Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong was made possible only because Hong Kong’s fielders failed to hold on to chances. He was dropped three times, on 43, 63, and finally on 68, allowing him to score freely and punish mistakes. These missed opportunities cost Hong Kong dearly, as Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong turned into the innings that anchored Sri Lanka’s chase.
This was also his third T20I fifty in five games, proving that Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong was not a one-off but part of a rich run of form in 2025. While he carried the innings forward, his partners struggled. Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara soaked up deliveries without much impact, slowing down the momentum. Even Kusal Perera was given two lives in the same over by Ayush Shukla, though one of those was a tough chance.
At one stage, Sri Lanka seemed to be heading towards a comfortable win with Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong setting the platform. With five overs left, they needed just 32 runs with eight wickets in hand. But the game suddenly turned into a thriller.
Drama in the Final Overs
Disaster struck for Sri Lanka in the 16th and 17th overs. Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong ended when he was run out after hesitating on a second run. The very next ball, Kusal Perera was trapped lbw by Yasim Murtaza. In the following over, Ehsan Khan dismissed Charith Asalanka, who sliced one to short third man.
As if that wasn’t enough, Kamindu Mendis holed out against Murtaza first ball of the 18th over. In the space of 13 deliveries, Sri Lanka had lost four wickets for just nine runs. Suddenly, the team was 127 for 6 and still needed 23 runs off 17 balls, with Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong no longer there to guide them.
This was when Wanindu Hasaranga stepped up under pressure. Walking in at No. 8, he made an immediate impact. He was gifted a free hit and launched it straight over the bowler’s head for six. In the next over, he smashed a four through covers, followed by another boundary down the ground. His quickfire 20 not out from just 8 balls sealed the match with seven balls to spare, ensuring Sri Lanka survived the scare that even Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong could not completely avoid.
Despite the loss, Hong Kong earned respect for their spirited performance. Their batting showed maturity, and their bowling created real pressure on Sri Lanka. But poor catching and costly mistakes at the death cost them a famous upset.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka 68 vs Hong Kong and Hasaranga’s finishing touch highlighted their depth. Still, the match exposed their vulnerability under pressure, something they will need to fix before facing stronger opponents in the tournament.
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