Sri Lanka survive Hong Kong scare to top Group B

Hong Kong’s sloppy fielding proved costly, with Nissanka given three lives en route to his match-winning knock

Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka have edged past Hong Kong in a nervy finish to secure a four-wicket win in their final Group B match of the Asia Cup, confirming their place at the top of the table.

Chasing a modest 149, the Lankans reached the target with seven balls to spare, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s resilient 68 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s composed late cameo.

Despite a spirited performance from Hong Kong, their sloppy fielding proved costly, with Nissanka given three lives en route to his match-winning knock, which earned him the Player of the Match award.

Hasaranga took full advantage of a no-ball from Murtaza, launching a six off the free hit to swing momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favour. He remained unbeaten on 20 off just 9 deliveries, finishing the chase alongside skipper Dasun Shanaka.

Earlier, Hong Kong, sent in to bat at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, made a solid start with a 41-run opening stand between Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath. But Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka’s standout bowler with 2 for 29, broke the partnership in the fifth over before Hasaranga removed captain Babar Hayat soon after.

Rath and Nizakat Khan rebuilt with a 61-run stand off 43 balls for the third wicket. Rath fell for a patient 48 (46 balls, 4 fours), while Nizakat remained unbeaten on 52 from 38 balls—his 12th T20 fifty, and the first against a full-member side.

Hong Kong’s total of 149 was competitive but ultimately fell short.

With this victory, Sri Lanka top Group B with 4 points and a healthy net run rate of 1.546. Afghanistan follow in second place with 2 points from their thumping 94-run win over Hong Kong (NRR 4.700).

Bangladesh sit third (NRR -2.151) with one win from two matches. Hong Kong exit the tournament without a win from their three outings.