Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Preview | Sri Lanka Aim To Bounce Back After Early Struggles

Sri Lanka faces Hong Kong in Match 8 of Group B in the Asia Cup 2025. The clash takes place in Dubai. This is a key game for both teams.

Sri Lanka entered the tournament as the favourites in their group. But they struggled in their early match and now need to show their true level. Captain Charith Asalanka leads a balanced squad with experienced batters and world-class spinners.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, is the underdog. They depend on teamwork and fighting. They want to show growth on the big stage. Captain Yasim Murtaza and senior batter Babar Hayat will look to lead by example.

This game is important for qualification for the Super 4. Sri Lanka wants a big win to boost its net run rate. Hong Kong wants to surprise and prove they belong at this level.

Match Details

• Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM IST
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Form Guide

Sri Lanka had a poor start. Their batting collapsed in the first match. Before this, they had mixed results in T20Is. They rely on top-order strength and spin attack.

Hong Kong also lost its first game. Their batting could not chase a moderate target. In recent months, they played smaller teams but could not build consistent form.

Last Five Matches

• Sri Lanka: W W L W L
• Hong Kong: L L L W W

Both teams show patchy form. Sri Lanka has more quality and balance. Hong Kong must play its best cricket to compete.

Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong Head-to-Head in the Asia Cup

Sri Lanka and Hong Kong have met only twice in Asia Cup history. Both matches came in the ODI format. Sri Lanka won both games comfortably, using their experience and stronger squad depth.

The first meeting was in 2004, when Sri Lanka outplayed Hong Kong with ease. Their second clash came in 2018, where Sri Lanka again dominated. Hong Kong showed effort but could not match the quality of a top Asian side. The 2025 fixture will be the first time Sri Lanka and Hong Kong face each other in the T20 Asia Cup. It adds new interest, as Hong Kong will try to prove it can compete on the shorter stage.

Asia Cup record:Sri Lanka 2 – 0 Hong Kong

Pitch And Weather

The Dubai pitch offers early help for fast bowlers. Spinners come into play later. Batting is easier in the first 10 overs but slows in the middle. The average first innings score is around 150.

The weather will be hot, about 32°C in the evening. Dew may appear under lights. That makes chasing easier. Both captains may choose to bowl first.

Team News

Both teams arrive with full squads. Sri Lanka depends on a mix of senior players and young talent. Hong Kong relies on its captain and senior batters to hold the innings.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka needed a strong start from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. Asalanka and Kusal Mendis add experience in the middle. Hasaranga and Theekshana are key in spin. Pace attack has depth with Chameera and Pathirana.

Squad: Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando

Hong Kong

Hong Kong hoped for runs from Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath. Captain Yasim Murtaza adds control with both bat and ball. Their bowling depends on Ehsan Khan and Ayush Shukla. They must stay tight in the middle overs.

Squad: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Yasim Murtaza (c), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Kalhan Challu, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Shahid Wasif, Nasrulla Rana, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Martin Coetzee, Ali Hassan

Key Players To Watch

This match has clear key players who can decide the result.

• Pathum Nissanka – opener, consistent runs at the top
• Kusal Mendis – wicketkeeper, aggressive stroke player
• Wanindu Hasaranga – all-rounder, match-winner with bat and ball
• Maheesh Theekshana – mystery spinner, controls middle overs
• Matheesha Pathirana – fast bowler, sharp yorkers at the death
• Babar Hayat – Hong Kong’s main batter, strong hitter
• Anshuman Rath – steady top-order option
• Yasim Murtaza – captain, adds balance with bat and ball
• Ehsan Khan – experienced bowler, key in spin attack

Broadcasting Platforms

Fans in India can watch the match live on:

• Sony Sports Network (TV)
• SonyLIV (app and website)
• FanCode (digital stream)
• DD Free Dish (selected channels)

Cricket fans in India will have easy access to follow every ball of this contest.

What To Expect

Sri Lanka will look to dominate with bat and ball. Their spinners can choke Hong Kong’s scoring. If their top order fires, they can reach a big total. Hong Kong will try to fight with discipline. They need early wickets and partnerships to stay in the game.

The toss will be key. Chasing is easier in Dubai under lights. Both captains may prefer to bowl first. Fans in India can expect a contest of skill and spirit, even if Sri Lanka start as favourites.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong in the Asia Cup is a battle of different levels. Sri Lanka brings history and quality. Hong Kong brings fight and ambition. The game will shape Group B and show if an upset is possible.

Sri Lanka aims to bounce back and prove they are contenders. Hong Kong aims to compete and win respect. With stars like Hasaranga and Pathirana on one side, and fighters like Babar Hayat and Murtaza on the other, fans in India can expect an intense game in Dubai.

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