Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong by four wickets in the 8th match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament thanks to a half-century by batsman Pathum Nissanka.
Batting first, Hong Kong scored 149 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the match held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Accordingly, Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 150 runs, managed to win with the loss of 6 wickets.
The umpire ruled that Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka was caught in the second over when he was scoring 8 runs, but the Sri Lankan players challenged the decision. Accordingly, the dismissal was refused and Pathum continued to play and scored 68 runs.
When Pathum was dismissed for a total of 119 runs, he had scored 68 runs in just 44 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. With Pathum’s dismissal, the Hong Kong bowlers managed to take 3 more wickets for 8 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga scored 20 not out in 9 balls to secure Sri Lanka’s victory, while Dasun Shanaka scored 6 not out.
The final match of the preliminary round in which Sri Lanka will participate will be played against Afghanistan on the day after tomorrow (18). Sri Lanka and former Sri Lankan opener Kaushal Silva will be the coach of the Hong Kong team.
Hong Kong – 149/4 (20 overs)
Nisakat Khan 52 not out, Anshi Rath 48, Zeeshan Ali 23 (Dushmantha Chameera 29/2, Dasun Shanaka 5/1, Wanindu Hasaranga 27/1)
Sri Lanka – 153/6 (18.5 overs)
Pathum Nissanka 68, Kusal Janith 20, Wanindu Hasaranga 20 not out, Kamil Mishara 19, Kusal Mendis 11 (Yasim Mortaza 37/2, Eshan Khan 25/1, Isis Khan 27/1, Ayush Shukla 30/1)