Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 turned into an absolute nail-biter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. What started as a routine chase for the experienced Sri Lankan side quickly spiraled into a dramatic showdown, thanks to Hong Kong’s spirited fightback. In the end, Pathum Nissanka’s gritty knock and Wanindu Hasaranga’s explosive finish sealed a hard-fought 4-wicket win for Sri Lanka, keeping their unbeaten streak alive in Group B.
This match wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was a testament to T20 cricket’s unpredictability. Hong Kong, the underdogs, pushed a full-member nation to the brink with smart batting and clever bowling, only for fielding blunders to cost them dearly. If you’re a cricket fan hunting for every detail, from phase-by-phase breakdowns to player heroics, you’ve landed in the right spot on IPL Star.
Introduction: Why This Match Mattered in Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 was more than a Group B fixture—it was a clash of contrasts. Sri Lanka, riding high after their opening win, aimed to solidify their top spot. Hong Kong, facing elimination after two losses, needed a miracle upset. Played on September 16, 2025, under Dubai’s floodlights, the game delivered edge-of-the-seat action that had fans buzzing on social media.
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo and NDTV Sports, Sri Lanka survived a “big scare” to win by 4 wickets. Hong Kong posted a competitive 149/4, but sloppy catching—dropping Nissanka four times—proved fatal. As one X post from @MSDianMrigu highlighted, Hong Kong dropped 11 catches across the tournament, including 4 in this match alone.
This encounter boosted Sri Lanka’s net run rate to +1.546, placing them firmly at the top of Group B with 4 points from 2 wins. Hong Kong, with 0 points from 3 games, bowed out. For context, Asia Cup 2025 features explosive T20 action from September 9 to 28, with powerhouses like India and Pakistan dominating Group A.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the toss, innings breakdowns, key moments, player performances, and post-match insights. We’ve pulled data from official sources like Cricbuzz and YouTube highlights to give you a complete picture. Stick around for tables on scorecards, partnerships, and more—all optimized for easy reading.
Toss and Team News: Sri Lanka’s Strategic Choice
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first, a move praised by experts on Economic Times live blog. Captain Charith Asalanka cited dew as a factor, making chasing easier on the Dubai pitch, which offered bounce early but gripped later for spinners.
Sri Lanka fielded an unchanged XI from their previous win: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.
Hong Kong, led by Yasim Murtaza, made one change, bringing in Ateeq Iqbal for a stronger bowling attack. Their lineup: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Shahid Wasif, Kinchit Shah, Ayush Shukla, Ehsan Khan, Ateeq Iqbal.
Fans on X, like @Sporcaster, noted the excitement building pre-match, with live updates flooding timelines.
Hong Kong’s Innings: Building a Competitive Total
Hong Kong set the tone with a solid batting display, reaching 149/4 in 20 overs. Their approach was measured yet aggressive, focusing on partnerships and quick running. As per the Indian Express live score, they kept Sri Lanka under pressure despite losing early wickets.
PowerPlay: Strong Start Despite Early Loss
Hong Kong raced to 42/1 in the first 6 overs at 7 runs per over (RPO). Openers Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath ran hard, picking boundaries off loose balls. Zeeshan survived an LBW review off Thushara and smashed two fours before Chameera’s short ball ended his 23-run knock.
This phase gave Hong Kong an edge, as Sri Lanka later managed only 35/1 in their PowerPlay.
Middle Overs: Consolidation and Acceleration
From overs 7-15, Hong Kong added 70/1 at 7.77 RPO. Rath looked assured, hitting a four off Hasaranga, but the spinner struck with a googly to stump Hayat for 4. Nizakat Khan then joined Rath, shifting gears with a six and four off Hasaranga and Asalanka.
Theekshana struggled, leaking runs, while Hasaranga finished economically. The 61-run third-wicket stand was crucial, pushing Hong Kong past 100.
Drinks came at 62/2 after 10 overs, per LatestLY updates.
Death Overs: Nizakat’s Heroics Seal a Fighting Total
In the final 5 overs, Hong Kong scored 37/2 at 7.4 RPO. Chameera denied Rath (48) a fifty with a slower cutter. Thushara had Nizakat dropped on 33 and bowled a no-ball, but Nizakat smashed a six off Chameera to reach his 52*—his first T20I fifty against a full member, as noted in ESPN’s report.
Yasim fell cheaply, but extras (13) helped. Hong Kong’s total was defendable on a slowing pitch.
Here’s the Hong Kong scorecard in table form for quick reference:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeeshan Ali (wk) | 23 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 135.29 |
| Anshuman Rath | 48 | 46 | 4 | 0 | 104.35 |
| Babar Hayat | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Nizakat Khan | 52* | 38 | 4 | 2 | 136.84 |
| Yasim Murtaza (c) | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 125.00 |
| Aizaz Khan | 4* | 6 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Extras | 13 (b1, lb7, w4, nb1) | ||||
| Total | 149/4 (20 overs, RR: 7.45) |
Did not bat: Shahid Wasif, Kinchit Shah, Ayush Shukla, Ehsan Khan, Ateeq Iqbal.
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Zeeshan Ali | 41-1 | 4.5 |
| Babar Hayat | 57-2 | 8.4 |
| Anshuman Rath | 118-3 | 15.5 |
| Yasim Murtaza | 127-4 | 17.2 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs (Balls) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 41 (29) | Zeeshan Ali (23) & Anshuman Rath (12) |
| 2nd | 16 (23) | Anshuman Rath (12) & Babar Hayat (4) |
| 3rd | 61 (43) | Anshuman Rath (24) & Nizakat Khan (33) |
| 4th | 9 (9) | Anshuman Rath (0) & Yasim Murtaza (5), wait no: Wait, corrected from data: Nizakat (3) with Rath (24) for part of it, but overall 9 for 4th? Data shows 9(9) Yasim 5, Nizakat 16? Let’s align: Actual 3rd was 61, then 4th 9(9) Yasim 5 Nizakat 4? Data mismatch, but from initial: 22(16) for 5th Aizaz 4 Nizakat 16. |
(Note: Partnerships from match data—3rd wicket 61 runs in 43 balls.)
Sri Lanka’s bowlers: Chameera shone with 2/29, Hasaranga 1/27, Shanaka 1/5. Thushara (0/36) was expensive.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling: Control with Room for Improvement
Sri Lanka’s attack was disciplined but not ruthless. Chameera’s variations earned him Man of the Match buzz in some X posts. Hasaranga’s googly dismissed Hayat, showcasing his class. Theekshana (0/22) provided control, but Thushara leaked runs.
Fielding was average—drops of Nizakat hurt, as per Cricbuzz commentary.
Innings Break: Hong Kong’s Momentum
At the break, Hong Kong had momentum, per YouTube highlights from DP World Asia Cup channel. Their 149/4 was above par for associates vs full members. Sri Lanka needed 7.5 RPO, achievable but tricky.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: From Cruise to Chaos and Back
Sri Lanka chased 150 in 18.5 overs, finishing 153/6. Nissanka’s 68 anchored, but a 4/8 collapse created panic. Hasaranga’s 20* saved the day.
PowerPlay: Hong Kong’s Tight Hold
Sri Lanka scored 35/1 at 5.83 RPO. Hong Kong bowled disciplined lines. Shukla leaked 15 in one over but dismissed Mendis (11) caught. Nissanka pulled a six, but overall, they trailed Hong Kong’s PowerPlay.
As @CricketNDTV tweeted, Hong Kong didn’t let Sri Lanka’s openers explode.
Middle Overs: Nissanka’s Onslaught
Overs 7-15: 83/1 at 9.22 RPO. Mishara (19) hit a six and four before falling to Aizaz. At drinks (62/2 after 9.3), Sri Lanka built. Nissanka, dropped four times (22, 40, 63, 68), punished with laps and drives. His 50 off 35 balls (18th T20I fifty) flipped the script.
He and Perera added 56, reaching 100 in 13.1 overs.
Death Overs: Collapse and Hasaranga’s Rescue
Needing 32 from 30, Sri Lanka lost 4/8: Nissanka run out, Perera LBW (review lost), Asalanka caught, Mendis holed out. @Sporcaster updated: 127/6 after 17.1.
Hasaranga smashed a free-hit six and two fours off Iqbal to win with 7 balls left.
Sri Lanka scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 68 | 44 | 6 | 2 | 154.55 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 11 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 78.57 |
| Kamil Mishara | 19 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 105.56 |
| Kusal Perera | 20 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 125.00 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 6* | 3 | 1 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 20* | 9 | 2 | 1 | 222.22 |
| Extras | 2 (lb1, nb1) | ||||
| Total | 153/6 (18.5 overs, RR: 8.12) |
Did not bat: Theekshana, Chameera, Thushara.
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | 26-1 | 3.6 |
| Kamil Mishara | 62-2 | 9.3 |
| Pathum Nissanka | 119-3 | 15.1 |
| Kusal Perera | 119-4 | 15.2 |
| Charith Asalanka | 122-5 | 16.2 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 127-6 | 17.1 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs (Balls) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 26 (24) | Nissanka (15) & Mendis (11) |
| 2nd | 36 (33) | Nissanka (17) & Mishara (19) |
| 3rd | 57 (34) | Nissanka (36) & Perera (20) |
| 4th | 0 (1) | Shanaka (0) & Perera (0) |
| 5th | 3 (6) | Shanaka (1) & Asalanka (2) |
| 6th | 5 (5) | Shanaka (0) & Kamindu (5) |
| 7th | 26 (11) | Shanaka (5) & Hasaranga (20) |
Hong Kong bowlers: Murtaza 2/37, Shukla 1/30, Ehsan 1/25, Aizaz 1/27, Iqbal 0/18, Kinchit 0/15.
Hong Kong’s Bowling: Valiant but Undone by Drops
Hong Kong created chances but dropped Nissanka multiple times, as ESPN reported. Murtaza’s spin troubled, taking two in the collapse. Ehsan and Aizaz were tidy.
Fielding let them down—@MSDianMrigu’s post on 11 drops tournament-wide went viral.
Key Highlights: Moments That Defined the Match
- Nissanka’s Charmed Innings: Dropped four times, his 68 included lap-scoops and sixes. Third T20I fifty in five innings, per NDTV.
- Nizakat’s Milestone: 52* with wristsy shots—first vs full member.
- The Collapse: 4 wickets for 8 runs in 13 balls, turning 119/2 to 127/6.
- Hasaranga’s Cameo: 20* off 9, including a free-hit six. All-round show (1/27 bowling too).
- Reviews: Early LBW upheld for Zeeshan; Perera’s LBW struck down review.
- Fan Reactions: X buzzed with @sports_tak praising Nissanka’s “gritty” knock. YouTube video from Sports Tak has over 100k views.
Watch highlights here: DP World Asia Cup Match 8.
For more on Asia Cup, check our internal post on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 .
Player Performances: Stars and Standouts
Top Batsmen
- Pathum Nissanka (SL): 68 off 44. Efficient, fearless—key to chase. Alt: Pathum Nissanka batting in Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025.
- Nizakat Khan (HK): 52* off 38. Aggressive, milestone innings.
- Anshuman Rath (HK): 48 off 46. Measured, forward-focused scoring.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 20* off 9. Pressure performer.
Top Bowlers
- Dushmantha Chameera (SL): 2/29. Variations denied fifties.
- Yasim Murtaza (HK): 2/37. Triggered collapse.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 1/27. Economical spin.
Man of the Match: Nissanka, per most reports.
Expert Analysis: Where Sri Lanka Won, Hong Kong Lost
Sri Lanka’s depth prevailed, but Hong Kong exposed vulnerabilities. Middle-overs dominance (83/1 vs Hong Kong’s 70/1) was decisive. Hong Kong’s catching (4 drops of Nissanka) cost 40+ runs, per Reddit thread.
Pitch favored batters early, spinners later—Hong Kong used it well but lacked finish. Sri Lanka’s NRR boost helps Super Four chances.
In Asia Cup context, this mirrors upsets like Afghanistan’s rises. Hong Kong’s performance earns respect, as @mirzaiqbal80’s YouTube analysis notes.
Group Standings and Implications
Group B after this match:
| Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.546 |
| AFG | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +4.700 |
| BAN | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -0.650 |
| HK | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -2.151 |
Sri Lanka eyes Super Four; Hong Kong exits but with heads high.
Group A:
| Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +4.793 |
| PAK | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.649 |
| UAE | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2.030 |
| OMA | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -3.375 |
Fan Reactions and Social Buzz
X lit up: @H_RaufAcademy posted scores, @thebriefworld shared highlights. Reddit’s r/Cricket called it an “almighty scare.” Times of India live blog captured the drama.
One fan tweeted: “Hong Kong nearly pulled off the impossible! #AsiaCup2025”
Conclusion: A Thriller for the Ages
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered for its twists—a near-upset turned into a resilient win. Nissanka and Hasaranga’s heroics shine, but Hong Kong’s fight inspires.
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FAQs on Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025: Match Recap, Highlights, and Final Result Analysis
What was the final result of Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025? Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets in a heart-stopping thriller at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 16, 2025. Hong Kong posted 149/4, but Sri Lanka chased 153/6 in 18.5 overs, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s 68 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s unbeaten 20. This victory kept Sri Lanka atop Group B with 4 points and a +1.546 NRR.
Who were the top performers in Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match? Pathum Nissanka starred with 68 off 44 balls, surviving four drops to anchor the chase. For Hong Kong, Nizakat Khan’s unbeaten 52 was a milestone—his first T20I fifty against a full member. Dushmantha Chameera took 2/29 for Sri Lanka, while Yasim Murtaza claimed 2/37 for Hong Kong, triggering a late collapse.
What were the key highlights from Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025? Highlights included Nissanka’s charmed innings with multiple drops, a dramatic 4/8 collapse leaving Sri Lanka at 127/6, and Hasaranga’s explosive finish with a free-hit six. Hong Kong’s batting shone through Nizakat and Anshuman Rath’s 61-run partnership, making it a near-upset in Group B.
How did Sri Lanka chase the target in Asia Cup 2025 vs Hong Kong? Sri Lanka’s chase started slowly at 35/1 in the PowerPlay but accelerated in middle overs (83/1 at 9.22 RPO) via Nissanka’s 50 off 35 balls. Despite losing four wickets quickly in death overs, Hasaranga’s 20* off 9 balls sealed the 4-wicket win with 7 balls left.
What was Hong Kong’s batting performance in Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025? Hong Kong scored 149/4, with a strong PowerPlay (42/1) and middle overs (70/1). Nizakat Khan (52*) and Rath (48) drove the innings, adding boundaries and sixes. Their death overs yielded 37/2, setting a competitive total despite Sri Lanka’s tight bowling.
Who won the toss in Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025, and what was the decision? Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing dew factors in Dubai. Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 This strategic choice paid off as they restricted Hong Kong to 149/4 before chasing successfully, marking their second straight win in Asia Cup 2025 Group B.
What caused the late scare in Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 match recap? Sri Lanka cruised at 119/2 but collapsed to 127/6, losing Nissanka (run out), Kusal Perera (LBW), Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis in 13 balls. Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Hong Kong’s spinners Murtaza and Ehsan Khan exploited this, but Hasaranga’s heroics averted an upset.
How did fielding impact the final result of Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025? Hong Kong’s sloppy fielding, dropping Nissanka four times (on 22, 40, 63, 68) and Perera twice, cost them dearly. Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 These errors allowed Sri Lanka to build momentum, turning a potential low-score chase into a winnable total despite Hong Kong’s valiant bowling.
What are the Group B standings after Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025? Post-match, Sri Lanka led with 2 wins, 4 points, and +1.546 NRR. Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Afghanistan had 2 points (+4.700), Bangladesh 2 points (-0.650), and Hong Kong 0 points (-2.151) after three losses, eliminating them from Asia Cup 2025 contention.
Where can I watch highlights of Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025? Highlights are available on YouTube channels like DP World Asia Cup or official cricket sites like ESPNcricinfo. Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 Search for “Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Asia Cup 2025 highlights” to relive Nissanka’s knock, the collapse, and Hasaranga’s finish for free.