By Himadullah Sohoo 
Dubai – September 15, 2025: Sri Lanka held their nerve to claim a four-wicket win over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2025, with Pathum Nissanka’s masterful 68 off 44 balls guiding the chase at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The result lifted Sri Lanka to crucial Group B points, while Hong Kong’s brave performance left them wondering what might have been.
Hong Kong’s Fighting Total
Put in to bat first, Hong Kong managed a competitive 149/4 in 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by Nizakat Khan’s unbeaten 52 off 38 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
Earlier, Anshy Rath (48 off 46) gave stability at the top, while Zeeshan Ali (23 off 17) provided early momentum. However, wickets at regular intervals prevented Hong Kong from accelerating beyond the 150-mark. Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept things in check, with Dushmantha Chameera (2/29) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/27) making the breakthroughs.
Nissanka Stands Tall
Chasing 150, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis cheaply, but Nissanka looked in sublime touch. Mixing classical strokes with power, he brought up his fifty from 35 balls and continued to dominate.
Support came from Kamil Mishara (19 off 18) and Kusal Perera (20 off 16), though both fell when Sri Lanka appeared comfortable. At 119/4, the game was briefly in the balance, but Nissanka’s composure ensured the asking rate never spiraled out of control.
Once he departed in the 16th over, Sri Lanka still needed 31 runs, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s blazing cameo of 20 off 9 balls and skipper Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 6 off 3 sealed the deal with seven balls remaining.
Brief Scores
Hong Kong 149/4 (20 overs): Nizakat Khan 52* (38), Anshy Rath 48 (46); Dushmantha Chameera 2/29, Wanindu Hasaranga 1/27
Sri Lanka 153/6 (18.5 overs): Pathum Nissanka 68 (44), Wanindu Hasaranga 20* (9); Yasim Murtaza 2/37, Aizaz Khan 1/27
Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (68 off 44)
Zainab Shafiq