Pathum Nissanka became Sri Lanka’s highest scorer in T20 Internationals after producing a match-winning half-century in Sri Lanka’s four-wicket victory over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup yesterday.
In the 8th match of the tournament, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka successfully chased down Hong Kong’s target of 150, finishing at 153 for 6 in 18.5 overs.
This was the first-ever meeting between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, who were led by their head coach and former Sri Lankan opener Kaushal Silva. Hong Kong’s defeat confirmed their exit from the tournament without a win.
Nissanka, who survived an early dismissal scare in the second over and several missed chances in the field, went on to score 68 off 44 deliveries with six fours and two sixes. It was his 17th T20I half-century, and his second consecutive fifty in the tournament. With this innings, Nissanka became the Sri Lankan batsman to pass 50 runs the most times in T20 internationals.
He built key partnerships along the way: 26 runs with Kusal Mendis (11), 36 with Kamil Mishara (19), and 57 with Kusal Perera (20). After his dismissal, Sri Lanka lost three wickets quickly, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s 20 not out off 9 balls and Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 6 carried the team over the line.
Earlier, Hong Kong posted 149 for 4 in their 20 overs, with Nisakat Khan scoring an unbeaten 52 and Anshi Rath adding 48. Dushmantha Chameera led Sri Lanka’s bowling with 2 for 29, supported by Hasaranga (1 for 27) and Shanaka (1 for 5).
Sri Lanka made one change for the game, bringing in Mahesh Theekshana in place of Matheesha Pathirana. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Afghanistan on the 18th.
Scores in brief:
Hong Kong – 149/4 (20 overs): Nisakat Khan 52*, Anshi Rath 48, Zeeshan Ali 23; Dushmantha Chameera 2/29
Sri Lanka – 153/6 (18.5 overs): Pathum Nissanka 68, Kusal Perera 20, Wanindu Hasaranga 20*, Kamil Mishara 19, Kusal Mendis 11; Yasim Mortaza 2/37
