Cricholic
Pathum Nissanka produced a brilliant 68 off just 44 balls to power Sri Lanka to their second consecutive win in the Asia Cup 2025, overcoming late jitters against Hong Kong, China. His knock proved decisive because, despite several dropped chances, he shifted the momentum when Sri Lanka were under pressure.
🚀 Pathum Nissanka sets up Sri Lanka’s chase
Sri Lanka did not have the best of starts in the PowerPlay, scoring only 35/1 in six overs. However, Hong Kong’s bowlers deserve credit for their discipline, which kept the usually explosive openers quiet. Ayush Shukla struck an early blow by dismissing Kusal Mendis, and therefore the responsibility fell on Nissanka.
Nevertheless, Pathum Nissanka absorbed the early pressure and then counterattacked effectively. He was dropped on 22, 40, 63, and 68, but each time he was reprieved, he made Hong Kong pay. As a result, his innings ensured Sri Lanka remained ahead of the required rate. By the time he was run out after a mix-up, Nissanka had already created a winning platform with his 68.
⚡ Pathum Nissanka dominates the middle overs
At the halfway stage, Sri Lanka were only 65/2, and the match seemed evenly balanced. However, Pathum Nissanka changed gears soon after. He struck seven boundaries and three sixes, racing to his 35-ball half-century – the 18th of his T20I career.
Meanwhile, Kamil Mishara added a useful 19 before falling, but Nissanka ensured Sri Lanka’s run rate climbed steadily. Shukla, Aizaz Khan, and Ehsan Khan all faced punishment as the opener’s aggressive stroke play dictated terms. In fact, his ability to dominate the spinners during the middle overs swung the match completely in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Moreover, Hong Kong’s fielding lapses were costly. Four dropped catches meant Nissanka could bat freely without fear of dismissal. As a result, the target of 150 quickly began to look modest.
🏆 Pathum Nissanka knock survives collapse scare
With Sri Lanka needing just 32 runs from the final five overs, the chase appeared straightforward. Yet, cricket often has twists, and Nissanka’s run-out triggered one. His dismissal sparked a collapse, with Sri Lanka losing four wickets for just eight runs. Consequently, Hong Kong briefly sensed a famous upset.
Kusal Perera was trapped LBW next ball, and two more batters fell cheaply. In contrast, Wanindu Hasaranga remained calm under pressure. He smashed a six off a free hit, and soon after, struck back-to-back boundaries in the penultimate over. Therefore, his unbeaten 20 off 11 balls ensured Sri Lanka crossed the line with seven balls to spare.
Ultimately, Nissanka’s 68 had already done the bulk of the job. Hasaranga simply finished what the opener had set up.
📊 Match Summary
Hong Kong, China – 149/4 in 20 overs (Nizakat Khan 52*, Anshuman Rath 48; Dushmantha Chameera 2-29, Wanindu Hasaranga 1-27)
Sri Lanka – 153/6 in 18.5 overs (Pathum Nissanka 68, Wanindu Hasaranga 20*; Yasim Murtaza 2-37)
Result – Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets.
