Sri Lanka secured a crucial four-wicket victory over Hong Kong in their Group B of the T20 Asia Cup 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Monday.
Batting first, Hong Kong put up a fighting total of 149 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Nizakat Khan anchored the innings with a solid 52, while Anshi Rath fell just short of a half-century, scoring 48.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase was led by opener Pathum Nissanka, who struck a brilliant 68 to set the foundation.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Wanindu Hasaranga provided the finishing touches with a quick-fire unbeaten 20, steering the team to victory in the 19th over with six wickets down.
The win earned Sri Lanka two valuable points, placing them at the top of Group B on net run rate.
Hong Kong, on the other hand, have been eliminated from the tournament after consecutive defeats.
Put into bat first, Hong Kong chalked up 149 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allocated 20 overs.
Nizakat Khan’s half-century helped Hong Kong set a competitive total against Sri Lanka.
They made a strong start as they raced to 41 in 4.5 overs, before losing core aggressor Zeeshan Ali.
Ali scored 23 off 17 balls with the help of two fours.
Sri Lanka made a comeback after the power play, removing Babar Hayat for four runs.
As a result, Hong Kong were reduced to 57-2 in 8.4 overs.
Nevertheless, Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan paired up for a 61-run partnership off 43 deliveries, which brought their total to 118 in 15.5 overs.
Rath departed after scoring 48 from 46 with the aid of four boundaries, whereas Nizakat ensured that Hong Kong finished strong at the end of their 20 overs.
He top-scored with 52 from 38 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two sixes.
For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka managed to scalp one apiece.
Playing XIs
Hong Kong XI: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Shahid Wasif, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara