Hong Kong secured a dramatic three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20 international clash at the Hong Kong Cricket Club on 15 March. The hosts chased down a daunting target of 190 with just two balls to spare, with Nizakat Khan’s unbeaten 85 proving decisive.
Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a competitive 189 for 6, with Kusal Perera top-scoring with 62. The match, part of a three-game series, saw Hong Kong level the contest after losing the opening fixture. The victory was Hong Kong’s highest successful run chase in T20 internationals, according to ESPNcricinfo. The final match of the series is scheduled for 17 March at the same venue.
Hong Kong Secures Narrow Victory Over Sri Lanka in T20 International
Hong Kong secured a narrow three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20 International match on 15 March. The hosts chased down 132 runs with just two balls to spare at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. They posted a modest total of 131 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Avishka Fernando top-scored with 38 runs off 31 balls.
Hong Kong’s chase got off to a shaky start, with the home side losing two early wickets. However, a crucial partnership between Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath steadied the innings. Khan scored a quickfire 35 runs off 25 balls, while Rath remained not out on 38 off 32 deliveries.
The match reached a dramatic climax in the final over. With 13 runs needed off the last six balls, Rath hit a boundary and a six to seal the victory. “It was a tough game, but we kept our composure and executed our plans,” said Hong Kong captain Nizakat Khan after the match.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack put up a spirited performance, with Akila Dananjaya taking two wickets for 20 runs in his four overs. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka praised his team’s effort. “We fought hard, but Hong Kong played well under pressure,” he said.
The victory marks Hong Kong’s first win over a full-member nation in T20 Internationals. The two teams will face each other in the second T20 International on 17 March.
Sri Lanka Fights Back but Falls Short Against Hong Kong in T20
Hong Kong secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 International clash at the P Sara Oval on 15 March. The hosts, chasing a target of 160, achieved the victory with just two balls to spare, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a competitive total of 159 for 7 in their 20 overs. Opener Avishka Fernando top-scored for the visitors with a brisk 42 off 30 balls, while Wanindu Hasaranga contributed a quickfire 36 not out off 16 deliveries.
The Hong Kong chase got off to a shaky start, with the hosts losing two early wickets to fall to 18 for 2 in the fourth over. However, a resilient partnership between Nizakat Khan and Aizaz Khan steadied the ship, with the pair adding 84 runs for the third wicket.
Nizakat Khan was the star of the show for Hong Kong, top-scoring with an unbeaten 72 off 50 balls. His innings included six boundaries and two sixes, providing the platform for the home side’s successful chase. Aizaz Khan contributed a valuable 33 off 26 balls before falling to the penultimate ball of the innings.
Despite a spirited fightback, Sri Lanka ultimately fell short in their pursuit of victory. The defeat sees the visitors slip to a 2-0 series whitewash, with the first T20 International having been won by Hong Kong by a margin of 23 runs. The result is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Hong Kong's Bowlers Shine in Thrilling T20 Win Over Sri Lanka
Hong Kong secured a dramatic three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20 encounter on 15 March. The hosts chased down 132 runs in the final over, with Nizakat Khan playing a pivotal role.
Khan scored an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls, steering Hong Kong to their target with two balls to spare. His innings included three fours and two sixes, providing the necessary impetus in the final overs.
Sri Lanka had posted 131 for 7 in their 20 overs, with Oshada Fernando top-scoring with 32. Hong Kong’s bowlers put up a spirited performance, with Ehsan Khan and Haroon Arshad taking two wickets each.
Arshad was particularly impressive, conceding just 15 runs in his four overs. His tight bowling in the middle overs restricted Sri Lanka’s scoring, setting up the platform for Hong Kong’s chase.
Hong Kong’s victory marks a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The win comes on the back of their historic qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka acknowledged Hong Kong’s fighting spirit post-match. “They played well, especially in the end,” he admitted. “We need to learn from this and improve.”
Hong Kong’s coach, Andy McKay, expressed his delight at the team’s performance. “The boys showed great character today,” he said. “This is a great confidence booster for us ahead of the World Cup.”
The match witnessed several thrilling moments, including a last-over finish. Hong Kong’s bowlers and batters displayed remarkable composure under pressure, earning them the hard-fought victory.
This win underscores Hong Kong’s growing prowess in international cricket. Their ability to perform under pressure bodes well for their upcoming fixtures.
Sri Lanka's Batting Collapse Hands Hong Kong T20 Victory
Hong Kong secured a stunning 26-run victory over Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20 International clash on 15 March. The hosts chased down a modest target of 120 with ease, thanks to a remarkable collapse from the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled dramatically after a steady start, losing their last nine wickets for just 47 runs. Their innings concluded at a disappointing 119 all out in 19.3 overs, despite an initial 52-run opening partnership between Oshada Fernando and Avishka Fernando.
The Hong Kong bowling attack, led by Ehsan Khan’s impressive figures of 4-0-14-3, dismantled the Sri Lankan middle order. Fellow bowler Haroon Arshad also made a significant impact, claiming 3-0-13-3.
In response, Hong Kong’s batting lineup displayed composure and skill, reaching the target with 6 wickets in hand and 2.3 overs to spare. Captain Nizakat Khan played a crucial role, top-scoring with 38 runs off 35 balls.
The victory marks a historic moment for Hong Kong cricket, as it is their first-ever T20 International win against a full-member nation. The match was played at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the ongoing T20 World Cup warm-up fixtures.
Hong Kong's Top-Order Batsmen Lead Charge in T20 Win Over Sri Lanka
Hong Kong secured a thrilling 16-run victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 international clash on 15 March. The hosts posted a competitive 188-7, with top-order batsmen leading the charge. Nizakat Khan top-scored with 60 runs off 42 balls, setting the tone for Hong Kong’s innings.
Skipper Anshuman Rath provided crucial support, contributing 48 runs. The pair’s partnership laid the foundation for Hong Kong’s total. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled to contain the hosts’ aggressive batting.
In response, Sri Lanka reached 172-9 in their 20 overs. The visitors’ chase lacked momentum, with regular wickets disrupting their progress. Hong Kong’s bowling unit shared the wickets, with Ayush Shukla and Haroon Arshad each taking two wickets.
Hong Kong’s victory marks a significant achievement in their T20 international campaign. The win highlights the team’s growing strength and potential in the shortest format. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address their recent form.
Hong Kong’s victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 encounter on 15 March was a significant upset. The home side chased down 159 in 19.2 overs, with Nizakat Khan top-scoring with 71 not out. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, usually formidable, struggled to contain the Hong Kong batsmen. The result sends a strong message to other teams in the tournament, demonstrating that no side can be taken lightly. As the competition progresses, Hong Kong will look to build on this momentum, while Sri Lanka will seek to regroup and bounce back in their remaining matches.
