Dropped Catches Cost Hong Kong as Sri Lanka Clinch 4-Wicket Victory
Sri Lanka clinched a 4-wicket win over Hong Kong in the 8th match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday.
Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. Hong Kong made a solid start, posting 41 runs for the opening wicket before Zeeshan Ali fell for 23. Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath then put together a crucial 61-run stand for the third wicket. Rath scored 48, while Nizakat anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52, helping Hong Kong finish on 149/4 in their 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets.
Chasing 150, Sri Lanka got off to a slow start, losing Kusal Mendis for 11. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera steadied the innings with a valuable 56-run partnership for the third wicket. Nissanka top-scored with 68 but was run out at a crucial stage, and Perera followed immediately for 20. Sri Lanka then suffered a mini-collapse, losing 4 wickets for just 8 runs.
However, Wanindu Hasaranga and skipper Dasun Shanaka held their nerves with an unbroken 26-run partnership to guide Sri Lanka home. Hasaranga played a brisk cameo, remaining unbeaten on 20 off just 9 deliveries.
Hong Kong’s sloppy fielding proved costly as they dropped as many as six catches, allowing Sri Lanka to secure victory with ease in the end.
