Sri Lanka avoided a scare against Hong Kong at the Asia Cup, thanks to Pathum Nissanka's early half-century, earning a four-wicket victory on Monday.

Hong Kong ensured they stayed in the match but ultimately fell just short after failing to take some big catches.

Zeeshan Ali (23) and Anshuman Rath (48) started strongly for Hong Kong, putting together a 41-run partnership for the first wicket before the former was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera (2-29).

And they kept the pressure on Sri Lanka, with Rath linking up with Nizakat Khan to put on a combined 61 runs for the third wicket. Nizakat eventually finished with an unbeaten 52 off 38 balls, pushing Hong Kong towards a respectable 149-4.

Kusal Mendis (11) was caught by Rath early on in the chase, but Nissanka anchored the innings with his 68 off 44 balls, though he was given some reprieves as he was dropped on three occasions, before he was eventually run out at the start of the 16th over.

Ehsan Khan then got a quick second wicket in the over, trapping Kusal Perera lbw for 20 after he had also been dropped twice, as Sri Lanka started to stall, but Hong Kong could not hold on for a strong finish.

Charith Asalanka (two) and Kamindu Mendis (five) were both dismissed to leave Sri Lanka needing 22 runs in the last three overs, but Wanindu Hasaranga helped get them over the line with a quickfire 20 from nine balls, taking them to 153-6.

Sri Lanka are top of Group B after two games, while Hong Kong, who have played all three of their games, are bottom without a win.

Sri Lanka seal the win by 4 wickets
A classy knock of 68 runs from Pathum Nissanka steers the Lions past Hong Kong. #SriLankaCricket #AsiaCup2025 #SLvHK pic.twitter.com/XKUQaH6isC

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) September 15, 2025

Data Debrief: Nissanka writes himself into history books

If Nissanka had not enjoyed such a high-scoring start, Sri Lanka may have been in more trouble than before, but instead, he scored his 17th 50+ score in T20Is.

He now has the most half-centuries for Sri Lanka, surpassing Perera's record. He has now scored four fifties at the Asia Cup, matching Virat Kohli's record. 

Sri Lanka are not on a seven-match winning streak at the Asia Cup, equalling India's streak from February 2016 to August 2022.