Sri Lanka survive Hong Kong scare as Nissanka fifty, Hasaranga cameo seal tense win

Pathum Nissanka struck a fluent half-century and Wanindu Hasaranga finished with a quick-fire cameo as Sri Lanka survived a scare from Hong Kong to claim a four-wicket win in the Asia Cup on Monday.

Nissanka hit 68 off 44 balls at the top of the order, while Hasaranga’s 20 not out from eight deliveries guided Sri Lanka home with seven balls to spare. The victory came after Hong Kong posted a competitive 149-4 in their 20 overs.

Hong Kong’s innings was anchored by captain Nizakat Khan, who made an unbeaten 52 from 38 balls, and Anshuman Rath, who added 48. The pair lifted the tournament’s lowest-ranked team to a fighting total.

Sri Lanka’s chase never settled. Hong Kong bowlers struck at regular intervals and created pressure with sharp spells from Yasim Murtaza and Ehsan Khan. Three wickets fell quickly to leave Sri Lanka at 127-6, needing more than a run a ball.

But Hong Kong’s fielding let them down. Nissanka was dropped three times, while Kusal Perera was put down twice in a single over from Ayush Shukla. Those missed chances proved costly as Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order kept the scoreboard moving.

Hasaranga, batting at No. 8, sealed the result with two boundaries and a six in a decisive finish. Captain Dasun Shanaka added an unbeaten 6 to help steer the chase.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers had restricted Hong Kong through Dushmantha Chameera’s two wickets and one each for Shanaka and Hasaranga. But Hong Kong’s resilience with both bat and ball kept the contest alive until the final overs.

The result underlined Sri Lanka’s depth but also their vulnerability against spirited opposition. Hong Kong, despite defeat, left with credit after pushing the former champions into a tense finish.