Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong by four wickets with seven balls to spare in their Asia Cup group match, thanks to a half-century from Pathum Nissanka and a late flourish from Wanindu Hasaranga.
Hong Kong were spirited in both batting and bowling. Anshy Rath played with determination to score 48, while captain Nizakat Khan struck an unbeaten 52 from 38 balls, guiding his side to a competitive 149 for 4.
The bowlers then maintained pressure throughout Sri Lanka’s innings, never allowing them to take full control. Yasim Murtaza and Ehsan Khan shared three quick wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 127 for 6, leaving the chase delicately poised.
Fielding lapses, however, undermined Hong Kong’s effort. Nissanka was dropped three times, twice off tough return chances to Ehsan, while Kusal Perera received two reprieves in one Ayush Shukla over. Had those chances been held, Sri Lanka might have been in serious trouble.
In the end, the bowlers erred at the death and Sri Lanka had the resources to cash in. Hasaranga smashed 20 not out from eight balls to close out the contest, while Nissanka’s 68 from 44 deliveries anchored the innings and proved decisive.
The result kept Sri Lanka on track in the group stage, while Hong Kong, despite their spirited display, remain winless and facing an early exit.
