Right then, that is it from this exciting game, where Sri Lanka just edged over Hong Kong, China, and sits at the top of Group B. Now, this result makes the next game in the Asia Cup 2025 even more high-stakes. It is Afghanistan taking on Bangladesh on Tuesday, 16th September, which will shape up who will qualify from this group. It will begin at 2.30 pm GMT, but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Charith Asalanka, the victorious skipper of Sri Lanka, admits that everyone had their heart in their mouth as wickets fell in clusters and says that he is very disappointed with the way they batted today. Points to the 16th over when a couple of crucial wickets tumbled, and then his own dismissal, which allowed the opposition back into the contest. Adds that he had been confident about the target, that the pitch looked good, and that credit is due to the Hong Kong side for batting well - at the same time, he concedes that the bowlers bowled poorly in the first three overs. Stresses that in the shorter format, these things can happen, though not consistently, and says that the team must analyse the performance thoroughly and improve, while acknowledging the pressure that comes with playing every side.

Yasim Murtaza, the captain of Hong Kong, China, says that he is very proud of the way his team has performed here. Praises Nizakat Khan and Anshy Rath for their knocks. Mentions that dropping so many catches is not ideal, and they need to improve. Says that they were looking at 150-160, but their bowlers still did a good job. Ends by saying that there is a lot of learning, and it has been a great experience playing at such a big stage.

Pathum Nissanka is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive match-winning innings. Reflecting on his knock, he says that he is really pleased with his performance as it contributed to the team’s victory. Admits that the pitch was challenging to bat on, with the ball holding up at times, but adds that Hong Kong, China, bowled really well. Explains that his focus was to drag the innings deep and finish it off for his side. In the end, he expresses his delight, saying he is very happy with the way he is batting at the moment.

Presentation Time...

As the saying goes in cricket, 'you drop a catch, you drop the match.' For Hong Kong, China, this was an extreme example - five dropped catches, yes, five! Pathum Nissanka was given three lives, while Kusal Perera was put down twice, and both batters made Hong Kong pay. Yet, despite all this, Yasim Murtaza and his bowlers still managed to make Sri Lanka fight for every run. They’ll be bitterly disappointed, though, knowing this was a game within their grasp. Fielding is clearly an area they must sharpen to take the next step in their journey.

Earlier in the game, Hong Kong, China put up a competitive total, thanks to a fine half-century from Nizakat Khan, who became only the second batter from his country to score a fifty in an Asia Cup in T20I format, and a valuable 48 from Anshy Rath. Sri Lanka’s bowling had its ups and downs, but Dushmantha Chameera stood out with two wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka also contributed with one each.

Or so we thought! The game flipped on its head in the 16th over with a massive mix-up that saw Pathum Nissanka run out for 68. On the very next delivery, Kusal Perera departed, and suddenly, Hong Kong, China were right back in the contest. From a comfortable 119/2, Sri Lanka slumped to 127/6, feeling the pressure. But Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the hero for his side, smashing a crucial 20 off just 9 balls to steer his team home and avert a major upset.

Sri Lanka weren’t chasing a huge target, but they struggled early on, with runs hard to come by. Pathum Nissanka survived a close LBW call in the second over and capitalised on it. Kusal Mendis couldn’t stay at the crease for long, but Kamil Mishara’s arrival helped shift the momentum alongside Nissanka. The real push came when Kusal Perera joined Nissanka, and the pair changed gears at just the right time, adding 57 runs. Nissanka’s well-crafted half-century took them on the verge of the win, taking it away from the opposition.

Sri Lanka have escaped with a narrow win here! They’ve pocketed the two points, but it was far from a convincing performance. Heartbreak for Hong Kong, China, who came agonisingly close to their first victory before letting it slip away. They now bow out of the tournament, but not without a lot of learning and big positives from this game.

Ateeq Iqbal to bowl the penultimate over. He has conceded just 6 runs in his first two overs, including a MAIDEN.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the next man in.