At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka defeated Hong Kong by 4 wickets to record their second victory and guarantee their spot in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 from group B. With six wickets lost, the Lankans reached the goal in 18.5 overs while chasing 150 runs to win. Kushal Perera struck 20 and opener Pathum Nissanka scored 68 runs off 44 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga later secured the victory with 20 runs off 9 balls. Earlier, Hong Kong reached a challenging 149/4 thanks to Nizakat Khan’s undefeated 52 off 38 balls.
Nizakat made good use of his feet on a new surface and took advantage of the Sri Lankan bowlers’ pace to become just the second Hong Kong hitter to reach fifty in the tournament’s history, behind Babar Hayat. Hong Kong posted a total they can potentially defend against Sri Lanka thanks to his 61-run partnership with Anshuman Rath, who scored 48 off 46 balls. After being forced to bat first, Hong Kong was fortunate to get three boundaries between Zeeshan Ali and Rath in the opening three overs. Zeeshan was the luckier of the two; he survived Nuwan Thushara’s lbw appeal before being dropped by the pacer at backward point.
However, Zeeshan’s quick appearance came to an end late in the fifth over as he fell for 23 from 17 balls after top-edged to keeper Kusal Mendis off Dushmantha Chameera. Rath pulled Wanindu Hasaranga for four to welcome him after Hong Kong concluded power-play at 41/2. Babar Hayat attempted to break the chains with a loft down the ground but was stumped off the former while Hasaranga and Theekshana were restricting the run-flow. Nizakat hit Hasaranga over long-on for six after the half, and then he and Rath each took fours off Charith Asalanka.
