Sri Lanka (SL) will face Hong Kong (HK) in Match 8 of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday, September 15, at 8:00 PM (IST). While Sri Lanka will aim to extend their winning run, Hong Kong will play for pride in their final outing of the tournament.
Match Details
-
Match: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Match 8, Asia Cup 2025
-
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025
-
Time: 8:00 PM IST / 6:30 PM Local Time
-
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
-
Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network (India), Ten Sports (Pakistan), SLRC TV (Sri Lanka), CricLife (UAE)
-
Live Streaming: SonyLIV (India), YuppTV (Global), Etisalat TV (Middle East), Willow TV (USA & Canada), TNT Sports (UK)
Team Overviews
Sri Lanka (SL)
Defending champions of the 2022 edition, Sri Lanka started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over Bangladesh. Skipper Charith Asalanka led confidently while the batting unit, powered by Pathum Nissanka’s fifty, looked in good touch. With quality all-rounders like Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka, and a lethal pace duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka appear well-balanced. Their aim will be to seal back-to-back victories and move closer to securing a Super Four spot.
Hong Kong (HK)
For Hong Kong, the story has been disappointing so far. They have suffered defeats in both of their matches and will be playing their last fixture of the season. Despite flashes of talent, the batting has not fired consistently. Captain Yasim Murtaza has looked composed, while pacer Ateeq Iqbal has impressed with his bowling performances. Against a strong Sri Lankan side, Hong Kong will need collective brilliance to cause an upset and bow out with their heads held high.
Key Players to Watch
-
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): Scored a 34-ball fifty against Bangladesh and is in fine form at the top. His quick scoring ability could put Sri Lanka in command early.
-
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): A world-class spinner who can trouble Hong Kong batters with his variations and also add handy runs with the bat.
-
Ateeq Iqbal (Hong Kong): The right-arm pacer has taken three wickets in two games, including an excellent spell of 2/14 against Bangladesh. He remains Hong Kong’s main bowling weapon.
-
Babar Hayat (Hong Kong): Known for his big-hitting ability, Hayat will need to anchor the innings if HK are to post a competitive score.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever T20I meeting between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, making the contest a historic occasion.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (SL)
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
Hong Kong (HK)
Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Kalhan Challu, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (c), Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal
Pitch Report – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The surface in Dubai often starts with early swing for fast bowlers, especially under lights. Batters who settle in can score freely, but newcomers may take time to adjust. Spinners tend to find grip as the game progresses. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first, considering the dew factor.
Probable Scenarios
-
If Sri Lanka bat first, a total of 170+ looks achievable given their depth.
-
Hong Kong will need early breakthroughs to avoid a one-sided contest.
-
A strong batting start from Nissanka and Kusal Mendis could put the game beyond HK quickly.
-
Hong Kong’s only chance lies in restricting SL with disciplined bowling and banking on a big innings from Babar Hayat or Yasim Murtaza.
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka come into the game as overwhelming favorites. Their strong batting lineup, world-class spinners, and pace attack make them far superior on paper. Hong Kong may show spirit, but the gap in quality is significant.
👉 Prediction: Sri Lanka to defeat Hong Kong comfortably and remain unbeaten in Asia Cup 2025.