The Asia Cup 2025 has already delivered some thrilling contests, and one of the most interesting group-stage matches took place on 15 September 2025, when Sri Lanka faced Hong Kong in their Group B encounter at the Dubai International Stadium. While Sri Lanka entered the game as clear favorites, Hong Kong, despite being underdogs, had their moments to shine and showcased resilience against a much stronger side.
This blog covers the entire match — from the toss to the final result — with detailed insights, turning points, and implications for both teams in the tournament.
Toss and Team Compositions
Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, won the toss and chose to bowl first. The decision made sense, given the conditions in Dubai. The pitch was on the slower side, offering assistance to spinners, but dew was expected later in the evening, which generally makes chasing easier.
Sri Lanka Playing XI
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Perera
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Nuwan Thushara
Hong Kong Playing XI
- Zeeshan Ali (wk)
- Anshuman Rath
- Babar Hayat
- Nizakat Khan
- Yasim Murtaza (c)
- Kinchit Shah
- Shahid Wasif
- Aizaz Khan
- Ehsan Khan
- Ayush Shukla
- Ateeq Iqbal
First Innings: Hong Kong Batting
Hong Kong were tasked with setting a target against one of the most balanced bowling attacks in Asia.
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)
The opening pair of Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath began positively. They took advantage of some loose deliveries from the Sri Lankan pacers, particularly Nuwan Thushara. Zeeshan hit a couple of attractive boundaries, while Rath anchored the innings.
However, just when Hong Kong looked steady, Dushmantha Chameera broke the partnership by dismissing Zeeshan for 23 off 17 balls. This gave Sri Lanka their first breakthrough at a score of 41/1.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15)
Hong Kong’s hopes rested heavily on Anshuman Rath and experienced batter Babar Hayat. Unfortunately, Hayat was undone by a clever delivery from Wanindu Hasaranga, who had him stumped by Kusal Mendis for just 4 runs.
At 57/2, the pressure was firmly back on Hong Kong. But Nizakat Khan joined Rath and provided much-needed momentum. Nizakat played aggressively, smashing 23 runs off 15 balls, including a six over midwicket. Together, Rath and Nizakat pushed Hong Kong to 96/2 by the end of the 13th over.
Rath, the standout performer for Hong Kong, reached 40 off 36 balls with elegant strokes through the off-side. He anchored the innings beautifully and gave his side a fighting chance.
Death Overs (Overs 16–20)
The final overs were always going to be tough against bowlers like Chameera, Theekshana, and Hasaranga. Hong Kong lost wickets at regular intervals while trying to accelerate.
Despite small cameos from the lower middle order, they couldn’t fully capitalize. Rath eventually fell short of his fifty, and with Nizakat also dismissed, Hong Kong finished with a total of 145/7 in 20 overs.
Top Scorers for Hong Kong:
- Anshuman Rath – 44 (38 balls)
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong analysis
- Zeeshan Ali – 23 (17 balls)
- Nizakat Khan – 27 (18 balls)
Best Bowlers for Sri Lanka:
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 2/24 (4 overs)
- Dushmantha Chameera – 2/28 (4 overs)
- Maheesh Theekshana – 1/23 (4 overs)
Second Innings: Sri Lanka Chasing
Chasing 146 was never going to be a huge challenge for Sri Lanka, but in T20 cricket, early wickets can always create pressure.
Powerplay (Overs 1–6)
Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, started confidently. Nissanka, in particular, looked fluent, striking boundaries square of the wicket. Mendis played the supporting role, rotating the strike effectively.
The pair added 55 runs in the first six overs, putting Sri Lanka well ahead in the chase.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15)
Hong Kong tried to fight back through their spinners, especially Ehsan Khan, who bowled a disciplined spell. He managed to dismiss Nissanka for 38 off 25 balls.
Kusal Perera then joined Mendis and ensured the momentum didn’t slip. Perera struck a couple of big sixes to keep the required run rate under control.
By the end of the 12th over, Sri Lanka were cruising at 101/2, needing just 45 runs from 48 balls.
Finishing Touches (Overs 16–19)
Skipper Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis made sure there were no hiccups. Mendis anchored the chase, reaching his half-century, while Asalanka finished the game in style with a boundary over extra cover.
Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably in 18.4 overs, winning by 7 wickets.
Top Scorers for Sri Lanka:
- Kusal Mendis – 52* (41 balls)
- Pathum Nissanka – 38 (25 balls)
- Kusal Perera – 28 (18 balls)
Best Bowlers for Hong Kong:
- Ehsan Khan – 1/26 (4 overs)
- Ayush Shukla – 1/30 (3 overs)
Key Turning Points
- Chameera’s Early Breakthrough: Zeeshan Ali’s wicket ensured Hong Kong couldn’t fully capitalize on the powerplay.
- Hasaranga’s Spell: His dismissal of Babar Hayat shifted momentum firmly towards Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka’s Dominant Powerplay with the Bat: The 55-run opening stand between Nissanka and Mendis killed any chance of Hong Kong building pressure.
- Mendis’ Composed Half-Century: His unbeaten knock ensured Sri Lanka’s chase was smooth and controlled.
Match Result
- Hong Kong: 145/7 in 20 overs
- Sri Lanka: 146/3 in 18.4 overs
- Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
Player of the Match
Kusal Mendis – for his unbeaten 52, guiding Sri Lanka’s chase with calmness and maturity.
Implications for the Tournament
- Sri Lanka: With this win, they strengthened their position in Group B and almost secured qualification for the Super Four stage. Their balance of batting depth and bowling variety makes them serious contenders.
- Hong Kong: Despite the loss, Hong Kong displayed fighting spirit. Anshuman Rath’s innings and Nizakat Khan’s cameo were positives. However, their lack of depth in both batting and bowling continues to hurt them at this level.
The Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong clash reminded fans of the growing competitiveness in Asian cricket. While the result went as expected, with Sri Lanka winning comfortably, Hong Kong showed glimpses of promise. Matches like these are crucial for Associate Nations, as they gain invaluable exposure against top-tier teams.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be pleased with how clinical they were. Their bowlers executed plans well, and their batting looked in control throughout. With momentum on their side, they will head into the Super Four stage with confidence.
The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and if this match is anything to go by, fans can expect many more high-quality encounters in the days ahead.
