Media365
Pathum Nissanka scored 68 runs off 44 balls as Sri Lanka secured a four-wicket victory against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup Group B match. The win came despite a challenging chase at the venue on Monday.Nissanka’s innings was marked by strategic acceleration, and his partnership with Kusal Perera (20) yielded 57 runs for the third wicket. This partnership brought Sri Lanka closer to qualifying for the Super 4 stage.Sri Lanka achieved the target of 150 runs, finishing at 153 for six in 18.5 overs. The team adopted a cautious approach initially on the slow pitch before increasing their scoring rate after the 10-over mark.The Sri Lankan team lost Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara early, reaching 65 runs in the first 10 overs. Nissanka, who was dropped twice during his innings at scores of 40 and 60, capitalized on these opportunities.Nissanka focused on scoring runs through calculated shots rather than aggressive hitting. He targeted the shorter square leg boundary, including a swept six against medium-pacer Aizaz Khan.Sri Lanka’s scoring rate improved significantly as they added 42 runs in three overs after the 10-over mark, with Nissanka and Perera leading the charge.Hong Kong managed to create pressure by taking four quick wickets. They dismissed Nissanka, Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and captain Charith Asalanka in quick succession, reducing Sri Lanka from 119 for two to 127 for six.Wanindu Hasaranga’s unbeaten 20 runs off 9 balls helped Sri Lanka secure the victory and keep their Super 4 hopes alive in the tournament.In the first innings, Hong Kong posted a competitive total of 149 for four. Nizakat Khan remained unbeaten on 52 off 38 balls, while Anshuman Rath contributed 48 runs from 46 balls.The highlight of Hong Kong’s innings was a 61-run partnership between Rath and Nizakat for the third wicket. Both batsmen played well against Sri Lanka’s experienced bowling attack.Rath’s innings featured shots on both sides of the wicket, including an impressive inside-out cover drive against spinner Asalanka. Nizakat, who became Hong Kong’s second player to score a T20 Asia Cup fifty, focused on straight-field scoring.Nizakat benefited from two fortunate incidents in the 17th over. He was dropped by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis and survived a catch due to a no-ball by Thilan Thushara.Rath’s innings ended when he was caught by Kamindu off Dushmantha Chameera, who finished with figures of 2/29.Hong Kong started strongly, scoring 38 runs in the first four overs, thanks to Zeeshan Ali’s quick 23 runs off 17 balls.Chameera dismissed Ali, caught behind by Kusal Mendis, which slowed Hong Kong’s momentum. Hasaranga then removed Babar Hayat, further restricting Hong Kong’s scoring rate.
