Nissanka Fifty Helps Sri Lanka Survive Late Scare Against Hong Kong

Sri Lanka secured their second win of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, defeating Hong Kong, China by four wickets in a tense match on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium. Pathum Nissanka’s 17th T20I fifty anchored the chase, but it took an unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership to see the islanders through after a dramatic collapse.

After being asked to bat first, Hong Kong, China posted a competitive 149 for 4 in their 20 overs. They started briskly with a 41-run opening stand, which was broken by Dushmantha Chameera when Zeeshan Ali was caught for 23. A solid 61-run stand for the third wicket between Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath steered the innings through the middle overs. Rath eventually fell to Chameera for 48, but Khan remained unbeaten on 52 from 38 deliveries to guide his team to a challenging total. For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 29.

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In their pursuit of 150, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored with 68. He reached his half-century in just 35 balls. Despite losing Kusal Mendis early for 11, Sri Lanka seemed to be cruising towards the target.

However, the match turned dramatically when a sudden collapse saw Sri Lanka lose four wickets for just eight runs. The slide began when Nissanka was run out for 68 while attempting a second run. The very next ball, Kusal Perera was out for 20. Quick dismissals of skipper Charith Asalanka (2) and Kamindu Mendis followed, giving Hong Kong, China a glimmer of hope.

Ultimately, an unbeaten 26-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Wanindu Hasaranga (20*) and Dasun Shanaka guided Sri Lanka home in the 19th over. Hong Kong, China was left to regret a poor fielding display, having dropped six catches, including four chances given by the top-scorer, Pathum Nissanka.

Sri Lanka will play their final Group B match against Afghanistan on September 18 in Abu Dhabi.