Back with the chase! The players of Hong Kong, China, come out and form a final huddle before they spread out to take their respective positions. Also, walk out the two openers of Sri Lanka, where Pathum Nissanka will open the innings alongside Kusal Mendis.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Sri Lanka bowled 42 dot balls, yet gave away 13 extras, which can prove costly in a game of fine margins. So here we are - 149/4 on the board. Will Sri Lankaâs batters make this a stroll, or can Hong Kong, China, produce the spells of their lives to make this chase a thriller? On this slow pitch, the Powerplay batting will be Sri Lankaâs best bet, using fielding restrictions to kill the game early. Let's see how it goes. The chase is about to begin, so hop up.
That control was broken by the partnership between Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan. Rath anchored with 48, while Nizakat found timely boundaries, adding a crucial 61 runs for the third wicket. Rath fell just short of his fifty, undone by Chameera, and skipper Yasim Murtaza didnât last long either, dismissed by Shanaka on his second ball. But Nizakat kept his calm, shifting gears in the final overs to finish unbeaten on 52 off 38 balls to drag his team close to 150.
The innings began with drama in the Powerplay. Zeeshan Ali got a lifeline on the fourth ball when an LBW decision was overturned, and then another when Chameera dropped him, all in the first over. Still, the reprieve didnât last long as Dushmantha Chameera struck, removing Zeeshan for 23. By the end of six overs, Hong Kong, China, were 42/1, steady but not flying. Babar Hayat struggled to get going, falling to Hasaranga, and the Lankans looked on top at that time, where the ball was holdi
150 to chase? A TRICKY, TESTING, and perhaps just about COMPETITIVE total on a slow Dubai deck. Could it be enough for Hong Kong, China, to cause an upset? Their innings had bright moments but also lacked acceleration at crucial phases, finishing with 149/4. Meanwhile, Sri Lankaâs bowlers were sharp in patches, but they let the game drift in the middle and at the death, where Nizakat Khan's unbeaten 52 gave his team some hope. Now, itâs all about whether their bowlers can defend this or i
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, No, they can't! However, this is still a fantastic effort from them against a top side. Maheesh Theekshana floats it up, full and on off, Nizakat Khan lofts it down to long off for just one. Aizaz wants the second but is sent back, the throw comes at the keeper's end, where Kusal Mendis collects it wide of the stumps and takes the bails off. However, the replay shows that Khan has made his ground. Hong Kong, China finish on 149/4!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Maheesh Theekshana sees the batter advance and darts in a yorker, on middle, Nizakat Khan drills it down the pitch. Theekshana gets a hand on his follow-through as the ball hits the bat of the non-striker and stays put. Can Hong Kong, China get to 150 here?
There is a slight halt in the play as it looks like Nizakat Khan is struggling with cramps. The physio is out there, and Khan is having some refreshment drinks. He is up on his feet, back and good to continue for the last two balls.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, FIFTY FOR KHAN! A fantastic knock from him. He is just the second player from Hong Kong, China, to score a fifty in the Asia Cup (T20I format), after Babar Hayat. Flighted, full and outside off, Nizakat Khan goes hard at it and slices it towards deep point for a brace. He raises his bat to take in all the applause. However, it looks like he is just struggling a bit with something here.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, Slows it up, short and on middle, Aizaz Khan goes through his pull early as the ball goes off his back towards point. A leg bye taken.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Fires one full and on middle, Nizakat Khan jams it out to long on for a run. Khan wants the second, but there isn't any.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Hong Kong, China are pushing for hard to cross the 150-mark.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 2 runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! Wow..that is a terrific shot! Dushmantha Chameera just misses the yorker and serves this full, on off. Nizakat Khan gets his front leg out of the way, gets under it and launches it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Well bowled! Fuller and outside off, Aizaz Khan moves across and bunts it out towards extra covers for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Takes pace off, full toss and on off, Nizakat Khan goes through his push early as the ball goes off the bottom edge towards long off for another run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, A full toss around off, Nizakat Khan lifts it on the bounce to extra covers for just a single. He will be disappointed not putting that away.
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and jams it out to long off for one more. Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over. Super stuff from Shanaka!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, Slower one, on a length and on middle, Aizaz Khan looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Aizaz Khan is in at 6.
Dasun Shanaka to Yasim Murtaza, ! TAKEN! Dasun Shanaka strikes in his first over!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Short of a length and on off, Nizakat Khan pulls it from above his head towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Change.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Pitched up and around off, Nizakat Khan forces it to sweeper covers for one. The Free Hit does not cost much.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Edged and gone? Sri Lankan players are celebrating, but HANG ON. The siren goes off, Tushara has overstepped here, and the celebrations are cut short. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit up next.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Overpitched and around off, Nizakat Khan squeezes it out towards extra covers.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, 1 run.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! A tough chance though!
Hong Kong, China, would be aiming for a big finish, but the pitch is slow, and it is pretty tough to hit through the line for the batters.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Yasim Murtaza, No run.
The skipper, Yasim Murtaza, walks in next to bat at 5.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! TAKEN! Anshy Rath falls just short of a well-deserved fifty!
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Dushmantha Chameera bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, takes off viciously, Nizakat Khan tries to ramp it away but misses as the ball is still rising. Kusal Mendis collects and has a throw at the stumps but misses. There is a no back up and the batters steal a bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! The boundaries keep coming for Hong Kong, China!
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Back of a length and around off, Anshy Rath stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Change. Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Tossed it up and around middle, swept away to deep mid-wicket for one. Hong Kong, China are 112/2 after 15 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and fuller, around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Four!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slower and fuller, outside off, Nizakat Khan chips it over the leaping bowler and collects one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Short and outside off, dragged down to long on for a single.
.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, ! GOOD SHOT! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan crouches and cuts it well towards deep backward point. The fielder from deep point runs across to his left and puts in a dive to cut it off but fails to stop the ball from going over the ropes.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Touch fuller and outside off, Nizakat Khan tries to reach out to cut it but misses.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Switches to over the wicket, short and around middle, Rath punches it to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Short and down leg, Khan backs away and knocks it down to wide long on for a single. He wants to have another but is sent back.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan throws his hands a it but fails to lay any bat on it.
Change?
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Another full toss, around off, Nizakat Khan drills it towards sweeper cover. The wide long off fielder runs across to his left, puts in a dive and cuts it off. Three runs taken, and the batters of Hong Kong, China have been pretty excellent in running between the wickets.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! THRASHED! Nuwan Thushara tries for a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, wide outside off. Nizakat Khan extends his arms to reach out and uses the pace of the bowler. Slices it between deep third and deep point for a cracking boundary.
Anshy Rath is struggling a bit after taking a blow on his left elbow from the throw.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Short of a length and around off, Rath gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Anshy Rath backs away and clips it with soft hands in the gap towards deep square leg. He calls for two instantly, but the fielder in the deep gets forward quickly and makes a throw towards the batting end after picking up the ball. However, as Rath was charging back to his crease, the throw hit him on his left elbow. He looks in pain, and the physio is out to have a check on him.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, A low full toss, around off, squeezed away to the right of deep third for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Rath strides forward and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Hong Kong, China are 84/2 after 12 overs.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, ! MUSCLED! Flatter, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and whacks it straight down the ground to beat the diving long on fielder to his left for a boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Quicker but on the pads, knocked down to wide long on for one by Rath.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, ! SHOT OF THE MATCH! Slower and fuller, around middle, Anshy Rath backs away, gets underneath it and goes inside out. Lofts it over covers for a boundary. Holds the pose as well.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Touch short and outside off, Khan comes forward and tickles it towards short fine for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Much shorter and around off, Rath eases it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, ! BREAKS THE SHACKLES! Wanindu tosses it up, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the long on fielder for a biggie. It will ease down the pressure a bit.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and shorter, outside off, Anshy Rath presses back and dabs it down towards cover point for one.
DRINKS! Sri Lanka are in full control of the match. Although they have taken just two wickets, they have kept Hong Kong, China under pressure with some brilliant spin bowling. Wanindu Hasaranga is bowling exceptionally well once again and has also taken a wicket. Meanwhile, the batters from Hong Kong, China are struggling to handle the spinners and appear to be crumbling under the pressure. Let's see what happens in the next phase.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle and leg, Anshy Rath works it through mid-wicket for one.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle, Anshy Rath backs away and drives it firmly wide of sweeper covers for a brace.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, Quicker, short and on off, Nizakat Khan stabs it back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fires in a low full toss, on off, Anshy Rath drills it to long off for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle, Nizakat Khan turns it to the leg side. Just one run and a wicket from the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Nizakat Khan walks in next to bat.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, ! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes! Good reflexes behind the stumps, and Babar Hayat's short stay comes to an end now.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath looks to go for the big slog but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Gives this one some air, full and on middle, Babar Hayat blocks it down the pitch.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Flatter, full and around off, angles away, Babar Hayat guides it off the outer half of the bat to short third for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Floated, full and on off, Babar Hayat uses his feet and lifts it but not from the middle of the bat. It goes in the air but well wide of long off as the batters take two runs.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Loopy low full toss, on leg, Anshy Rath drills it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Did that carry? Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath uses his feet and drills it uppishly down the pitch. Hasarange gets down quickly on his follow-through to stop. Looking at his reaction, it does not look it carried.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 2 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
42/1? Good or just middling score? Hong Kong, China, would be happy not to lose many wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, ! Welcome to the game, Wanindu Hasaranga! He bowls a half-tracker from around the wicket, on middle. Anshy Rath rocks back quickly and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Slows it up, full and on off, Babar Hayat taps it to short covers. Just one runs off the over. Hong Kong, China are 42/1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Dragged back and around off, Babar Hayat stays back and keeps it out to the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, turns in, Babar Hayat strides out to block but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Maybe a bit too high.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Hayat, Nagging length and around middle, defended off the front foot to the left of the mid-wicket. A successful over for Sri Lanka.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Flatte, short and around off, Anshy Rath looks to cut but this one comes a bit quicker. He ends up bunting it out on the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on leg, Anshy Rath goes down and paddles it to shor fine.
Babar Hayat walks out to bat number 3.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, ! CAUGHT BEHIND!Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, LOW BOUNCE! On a length and outside off, Zeeshan Ali extends his arms and looks to cut, but the ball stays low and goes under the bat to the keeper, who grabs it on the bounce behind the wickets.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a length and wide outside off, Zeeshan Ali throws his hands at it and looks to cut it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball goes to the right of deep third and they run two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Change of ends Dushmantha Chameera.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Short and around middle, turned away through mid-wicket for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, WIDE! GOOD STOP! Full toss but down the leg side, Zeeshan Ali misses his flick shot. However, the keeper, Kusal Mendis moves to his left and puts down his left boot to make a good stop to save some runs for his side. Called a wide.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Slower and fuller, outside off, Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to go inside out over covers but gets an outside edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes in the gap to the left of short third and they get two runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Full and around middle and leg, Zeeshan Ali tries to flick it off the back foot but misses. Gets pinged on the front pad and there is an half appeal for LBW but is turned down as it could be sliding down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Ali taps it with soft hands towards mid off and sets off for a quick single. The fielder makes a throw to the bowling end but he misses and there is an overthrow but both batters don't take any extra run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, ! EASY PICKINGS! Full and on the pads, moving in, Zeeshan Ali shifts his weight on the front foot and looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball races away in the gap to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are off to a good start with 31/0 in three overs.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, On a length and outside off, Rath throws his hands at it and slices it uppishly but in the gap to deep backward point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, EDGED AND ! Full and swinging back in, around leg, Anshy Rath comes forward and tries to flick it but gets an inside edge. The ball clips his front pad and beats the diving keeper to his right behind the wickets for a boundary.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Moving away, on a length and outside off, Ali waits and taps it down through cover point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Lands it full and around off, and there is some late outswing. Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to flick it, but gets a leading edge. The ball flies over extra cover and they take two runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! SMACKED! Full and outside off, Anshy Rath comes forward and crisps his drive to beat the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are 18/0 after two overs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a hard length and around middle, Ali presses back and swipes it to deep backward square leg for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Good running between the wickets! Full and around middle, shaping in, Anshy Rath prods forward and flicks it to the left of mid on. Charith Asalanka hunts it down as the outfield isn't that quick. Three runs taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Zeeshan Ali tries to slash but gets an outside edge that rolls down to short third. A single taken. The Lankan bowlers habe been pretty accurate so far.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Who bowls now?
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, No run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, LBW GIVEN! GONE! However, Zeeshan Ali has referred it upstairs straightaway. On a length and angling in, around middle, Zeeshan Ali presses back and looks to pick it up with a pull shot but misses. Gets pinged high on the front pad. An appeal goes up for LBW from the bowler and the keeper, and this time, the umpire raises his finger. The third umpire is called in and there is clear spike when the ball has passed the bat. The on-field call gets overturned and
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Leg bye! An appeal for LBW from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. On a length and shaping in, down leg, Anshy Rath looks to flick it but misses. Gets rapped on the front pad and the ball gets deflected towards cover. Both batters sneak a leg bye. Could have been going down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Pitched up and around middle, Rath prods forward and flicks it to mid on.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Hong Kong, China and Zeeshan Ali are underway straightaway but in a streaky fashion. Swings back in does Nuwan, on the fuller length and around off, Ali takes a step forward and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge that goes in the gap between cover point and extra cover. Three runs taken.
We are all set to begin now! The Sri Lankan players are taking up their respective field positions under the bright lights of the Dubai International Stadium.
Not far away from the first ball now, but before that, the players from the sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the national anthems. It will be Hong Kong, China's first, followed by the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
PITCH REPORT - Roshan Abeysinghe is pitchside. He says that it is a brand new pitch, but a bit dry as well. Russel Arnold joins him and agrees with him. Â Adds that there are a few cracks, and we can expect a tennis-ball bounce. Says that the spinners will have a say and chasing is the better option here, but also does not expect it to change much.
The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that it looks like a decent pitch and they prefer chasing. Adds that he feels the pitch is a bit drier and could be a bit slower. Mentions that the last game was almost perfect, but they will not take any opponent lightly. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana is back in the team in place of Matheesha Pathirana.
Yasim Murtaza, the skipper of Hong Kong, China, says that his team did really well in the last game and they want to repeat the same performance tonight. On team combinations, he confirms one change, with Kalhan Challu making way for Shahid Wasif. Speaking about the approach, he explains that while winning games is important, work ethic remains a priority for the side. On their chances, he admits that they cannot qualify for the Super Four because of a low net run rate, even if they win this ma
Hong Kong, China (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.
TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Sri Lanka, and the skipper, Charith Asalanka, has elected to FIELD first.
Back with the chase! The players of Hong Kong, China, come out and form a final huddle before they spread out to take their respective positions. Also, walk out the two openers of Sri Lanka, where Pathum Nissanka will open the innings alongside Kusal Mendis.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Sri Lanka bowled 42 dot balls, yet gave away 13 extras, which can prove costly in a game of fine margins. So here we are - 149/4 on the board. Will Sri Lankaâs batters make this a stroll, or can Hong Kong, China, produce the spells of their lives to make this chase a thriller? On this slow pitch, the Powerplay batting will be Sri Lankaâs best bet, using fielding restrictions to kill the game early. Let's see how it goes. The chase is about to begin, so hop up.
That control was broken by the partnership between Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan. Rath anchored with 48, while Nizakat found timely boundaries, adding a crucial 61 runs for the third wicket. Rath fell just short of his fifty, undone by Chameera, and skipper Yasim Murtaza didnât last long either, dismissed by Shanaka on his second ball. But Nizakat kept his calm, shifting gears in the final overs to finish unbeaten on 52 off 38 balls to drag his team close to 150.
The innings began with drama in the Powerplay. Zeeshan Ali got a lifeline on the fourth ball when an LBW decision was overturned, and then another when Chameera dropped him, all in the first over. Still, the reprieve didnât last long as Dushmantha Chameera struck, removing Zeeshan for 23. By the end of six overs, Hong Kong, China, were 42/1, steady but not flying. Babar Hayat struggled to get going, falling to Hasaranga, and the Lankans looked on top at that time, where the ball was holdi
150 to chase? A TRICKY, TESTING, and perhaps just about COMPETITIVE total on a slow Dubai deck. Could it be enough for Hong Kong, China, to cause an upset? Their innings had bright moments but also lacked acceleration at crucial phases, finishing with 149/4. Meanwhile, Sri Lankaâs bowlers were sharp in patches, but they let the game drift in the middle and at the death, where Nizakat Khan's unbeaten 52 gave his team some hope. Now, itâs all about whether their bowlers can defend this or i
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, No, they can't! However, this is still a fantastic effort from them against a top side. Maheesh Theekshana floats it up, full and on off, Nizakat Khan lofts it down to long off for just one. Aizaz wants the second but is sent back, the throw comes at the keeper's end, where Kusal Mendis collects it wide of the stumps and takes the bails off. However, the replay shows that Khan has made his ground. Hong Kong, China finish on 149/4!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Maheesh Theekshana sees the batter advance and darts in a yorker, on middle, Nizakat Khan drills it down the pitch. Theekshana gets a hand on his follow-through as the ball hits the bat of the non-striker and stays put. Can Hong Kong, China get to 150 here?
There is a slight halt in the play as it looks like Nizakat Khan is struggling with cramps. The physio is out there, and Khan is having some refreshment drinks. He is up on his feet, back and good to continue for the last two balls.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, FIFTY FOR KHAN! A fantastic knock from him. He is just the second player from Hong Kong, China, to score a fifty in the Asia Cup (T20I format), after Babar Hayat. Flighted, full and outside off, Nizakat Khan goes hard at it and slices it towards deep point for a brace. He raises his bat to take in all the applause. However, it looks like he is just struggling a bit with something here.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, Slows it up, short and on middle, Aizaz Khan goes through his pull early as the ball goes off his back towards point. A leg bye taken.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Fires one full and on middle, Nizakat Khan jams it out to long on for a run. Khan wants the second, but there isn't any.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Hong Kong, China are pushing for hard to cross the 150-mark.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 2 runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! Wow..that is a terrific shot! Dushmantha Chameera just misses the yorker and serves this full, on off. Nizakat Khan gets his front leg out of the way, gets under it and launches it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Well bowled! Fuller and outside off, Aizaz Khan moves across and bunts it out towards extra covers for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Takes pace off, full toss and on off, Nizakat Khan goes through his push early as the ball goes off the bottom edge towards long off for another run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, A full toss around off, Nizakat Khan lifts it on the bounce to extra covers for just a single. He will be disappointed not putting that away.
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and jams it out to long off for one more. Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over. Super stuff from Shanaka!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, Slower one, on a length and on middle, Aizaz Khan looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Aizaz Khan is in at 6.
Dasun Shanaka to Yasim Murtaza, ! TAKEN! Dasun Shanaka strikes in his first over!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Short of a length and on off, Nizakat Khan pulls it from above his head towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Change.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Pitched up and around off, Nizakat Khan forces it to sweeper covers for one. The Free Hit does not cost much.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Edged and gone? Sri Lankan players are celebrating, but HANG ON. The siren goes off, Tushara has overstepped here, and the celebrations are cut short. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit up next.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Overpitched and around off, Nizakat Khan squeezes it out towards extra covers.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, 1 run.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! A tough chance though!
Hong Kong, China, would be aiming for a big finish, but the pitch is slow, and it is pretty tough to hit through the line for the batters.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Yasim Murtaza, No run.
The skipper, Yasim Murtaza, walks in next to bat at 5.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! TAKEN! Anshy Rath falls just short of a well-deserved fifty!
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Dushmantha Chameera bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, takes off viciously, Nizakat Khan tries to ramp it away but misses as the ball is still rising. Kusal Mendis collects and has a throw at the stumps but misses. There is a no back up and the batters steal a bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! The boundaries keep coming for Hong Kong, China!
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Back of a length and around off, Anshy Rath stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Change. Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Tossed it up and around middle, swept away to deep mid-wicket for one. Hong Kong, China are 112/2 after 15 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and fuller, around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Four!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slower and fuller, outside off, Nizakat Khan chips it over the leaping bowler and collects one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Short and outside off, dragged down to long on for a single.
.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, ! GOOD SHOT! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan crouches and cuts it well towards deep backward point. The fielder from deep point runs across to his left and puts in a dive to cut it off but fails to stop the ball from going over the ropes.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Touch fuller and outside off, Nizakat Khan tries to reach out to cut it but misses.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Switches to over the wicket, short and around middle, Rath punches it to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Short and down leg, Khan backs away and knocks it down to wide long on for a single. He wants to have another but is sent back.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan throws his hands a it but fails to lay any bat on it.
Change?
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Another full toss, around off, Nizakat Khan drills it towards sweeper cover. The wide long off fielder runs across to his left, puts in a dive and cuts it off. Three runs taken, and the batters of Hong Kong, China have been pretty excellent in running between the wickets.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! THRASHED! Nuwan Thushara tries for a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, wide outside off. Nizakat Khan extends his arms to reach out and uses the pace of the bowler. Slices it between deep third and deep point for a cracking boundary.
Anshy Rath is struggling a bit after taking a blow on his left elbow from the throw.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Short of a length and around off, Rath gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Anshy Rath backs away and clips it with soft hands in the gap towards deep square leg. He calls for two instantly, but the fielder in the deep gets forward quickly and makes a throw towards the batting end after picking up the ball. However, as Rath was charging back to his crease, the throw hit him on his left elbow. He looks in pain, and the physio is out to have a check on him.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, A low full toss, around off, squeezed away to the right of deep third for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Rath strides forward and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Hong Kong, China are 84/2 after 12 overs.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, ! MUSCLED! Flatter, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and whacks it straight down the ground to beat the diving long on fielder to his left for a boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Quicker but on the pads, knocked down to wide long on for one by Rath.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, ! SHOT OF THE MATCH! Slower and fuller, around middle, Anshy Rath backs away, gets underneath it and goes inside out. Lofts it over covers for a boundary. Holds the pose as well.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Touch short and outside off, Khan comes forward and tickles it towards short fine for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Much shorter and around off, Rath eases it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, ! BREAKS THE SHACKLES! Wanindu tosses it up, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the long on fielder for a biggie. It will ease down the pressure a bit.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and shorter, outside off, Anshy Rath presses back and dabs it down towards cover point for one.
DRINKS! Sri Lanka are in full control of the match. Although they have taken just two wickets, they have kept Hong Kong, China under pressure with some brilliant spin bowling. Wanindu Hasaranga is bowling exceptionally well once again and has also taken a wicket. Meanwhile, the batters from Hong Kong, China are struggling to handle the spinners and appear to be crumbling under the pressure. Let's see what happens in the next phase.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle and leg, Anshy Rath works it through mid-wicket for one.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle, Anshy Rath backs away and drives it firmly wide of sweeper covers for a brace.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, Quicker, short and on off, Nizakat Khan stabs it back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fires in a low full toss, on off, Anshy Rath drills it to long off for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle, Nizakat Khan turns it to the leg side. Just one run and a wicket from the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Nizakat Khan walks in next to bat.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, ! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes! Good reflexes behind the stumps, and Babar Hayat's short stay comes to an end now.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath looks to go for the big slog but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Gives this one some air, full and on middle, Babar Hayat blocks it down the pitch.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Flatter, full and around off, angles away, Babar Hayat guides it off the outer half of the bat to short third for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Floated, full and on off, Babar Hayat uses his feet and lifts it but not from the middle of the bat. It goes in the air but well wide of long off as the batters take two runs.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Loopy low full toss, on leg, Anshy Rath drills it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Did that carry? Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath uses his feet and drills it uppishly down the pitch. Hasarange gets down quickly on his follow-through to stop. Looking at his reaction, it does not look it carried.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 2 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
42/1? Good or just middling score? Hong Kong, China, would be happy not to lose many wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, ! Welcome to the game, Wanindu Hasaranga! He bowls a half-tracker from around the wicket, on middle. Anshy Rath rocks back quickly and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Slows it up, full and on off, Babar Hayat taps it to short covers. Just one runs off the over. Hong Kong, China are 42/1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Dragged back and around off, Babar Hayat stays back and keeps it out to the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, turns in, Babar Hayat strides out to block but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Maybe a bit too high.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Hayat, Nagging length and around middle, defended off the front foot to the left of the mid-wicket. A successful over for Sri Lanka.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Flatte, short and around off, Anshy Rath looks to cut but this one comes a bit quicker. He ends up bunting it out on the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on leg, Anshy Rath goes down and paddles it to shor fine.
Babar Hayat walks out to bat number 3.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, ! CAUGHT BEHIND!Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, LOW BOUNCE! On a length and outside off, Zeeshan Ali extends his arms and looks to cut, but the ball stays low and goes under the bat to the keeper, who grabs it on the bounce behind the wickets.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a length and wide outside off, Zeeshan Ali throws his hands at it and looks to cut it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball goes to the right of deep third and they run two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Change of ends Dushmantha Chameera.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Short and around middle, turned away through mid-wicket for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, WIDE! GOOD STOP! Full toss but down the leg side, Zeeshan Ali misses his flick shot. However, the keeper, Kusal Mendis moves to his left and puts down his left boot to make a good stop to save some runs for his side. Called a wide.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Slower and fuller, outside off, Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to go inside out over covers but gets an outside edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes in the gap to the left of short third and they get two runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Full and around middle and leg, Zeeshan Ali tries to flick it off the back foot but misses. Gets pinged on the front pad and there is an half appeal for LBW but is turned down as it could be sliding down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Ali taps it with soft hands towards mid off and sets off for a quick single. The fielder makes a throw to the bowling end but he misses and there is an overthrow but both batters don't take any extra run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, ! EASY PICKINGS! Full and on the pads, moving in, Zeeshan Ali shifts his weight on the front foot and looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball races away in the gap to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are off to a good start with 31/0 in three overs.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, On a length and outside off, Rath throws his hands at it and slices it uppishly but in the gap to deep backward point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, EDGED AND ! Full and swinging back in, around leg, Anshy Rath comes forward and tries to flick it but gets an inside edge. The ball clips his front pad and beats the diving keeper to his right behind the wickets for a boundary.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Moving away, on a length and outside off, Ali waits and taps it down through cover point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Lands it full and around off, and there is some late outswing. Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to flick it, but gets a leading edge. The ball flies over extra cover and they take two runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! SMACKED! Full and outside off, Anshy Rath comes forward and crisps his drive to beat the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are 18/0 after two overs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a hard length and around middle, Ali presses back and swipes it to deep backward square leg for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Good running between the wickets! Full and around middle, shaping in, Anshy Rath prods forward and flicks it to the left of mid on. Charith Asalanka hunts it down as the outfield isn't that quick. Three runs taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Zeeshan Ali tries to slash but gets an outside edge that rolls down to short third. A single taken. The Lankan bowlers habe been pretty accurate so far.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Who bowls now?
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, No run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, LBW GIVEN! GONE! However, Zeeshan Ali has referred it upstairs straightaway. On a length and angling in, around middle, Zeeshan Ali presses back and looks to pick it up with a pull shot but misses. Gets pinged high on the front pad. An appeal goes up for LBW from the bowler and the keeper, and this time, the umpire raises his finger. The third umpire is called in and there is clear spike when the ball has passed the bat. The on-field call gets overturned and
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Leg bye! An appeal for LBW from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. On a length and shaping in, down leg, Anshy Rath looks to flick it but misses. Gets rapped on the front pad and the ball gets deflected towards cover. Both batters sneak a leg bye. Could have been going down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Pitched up and around middle, Rath prods forward and flicks it to mid on.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Hong Kong, China and Zeeshan Ali are underway straightaway but in a streaky fashion. Swings back in does Nuwan, on the fuller length and around off, Ali takes a step forward and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge that goes in the gap between cover point and extra cover. Three runs taken.
We are all set to begin now! The Sri Lankan players are taking up their respective field positions under the bright lights of the Dubai International Stadium.
Not far away from the first ball now, but before that, the players from the sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the national anthems. It will be Hong Kong, China's first, followed by the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
PITCH REPORT - Roshan Abeysinghe is pitchside. He says that it is a brand new pitch, but a bit dry as well. Russel Arnold joins him and agrees with him. Â Adds that there are a few cracks, and we can expect a tennis-ball bounce. Says that the spinners will have a say and chasing is the better option here, but also does not expect it to change much.
The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that it looks like a decent pitch and they prefer chasing. Adds that he feels the pitch is a bit drier and could be a bit slower. Mentions that the last game was almost perfect, but they will not take any opponent lightly. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana is back in the team in place of Matheesha Pathirana.
Yasim Murtaza, the skipper of Hong Kong, China, says that his team did really well in the last game and they want to repeat the same performance tonight. On team combinations, he confirms one change, with Kalhan Challu making way for Shahid Wasif. Speaking about the approach, he explains that while winning games is important, work ethic remains a priority for the side. On their chances, he admits that they cannot qualify for the Super Four because of a low net run rate, even if they win this ma
Hong Kong, China (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.
TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Sri Lanka, and the skipper, Charith Asalanka, has elected to FIELD first.
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Sri Lanka
153/6(18.5 Overs)
Back with the chase! The players of Hong Kong, China, come out and form a final huddle before they spread out to take their respective positions. Also, walk out the two openers of Sri Lanka, where Pathum Nissanka will open the innings alongside Kusal Mendis.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Sri Lanka bowled 42 dot balls, yet gave away 13 extras, which can prove costly in a game of fine margins. So here we are - 149/4 on the board. Will Sri Lankaâs batters make this a stroll, or can Hong Kong, China, produce the spells of their lives to make this chase a thriller? On this slow pitch, the Powerplay batting will be Sri Lankaâs best bet, using fielding restrictions to kill the game early. Let's see how it goes. The chase is about to begin, so hop up.
That control was broken by the partnership between Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan. Rath anchored with 48, while Nizakat found timely boundaries, adding a crucial 61 runs for the third wicket. Rath fell just short of his fifty, undone by Chameera, and skipper Yasim Murtaza didnât last long either, dismissed by Shanaka on his second ball. But Nizakat kept his calm, shifting gears in the final overs to finish unbeaten on 52 off 38 balls to drag his team close to 150.
The innings began with drama in the Powerplay. Zeeshan Ali got a lifeline on the fourth ball when an LBW decision was overturned, and then another when Chameera dropped him, all in the first over. Still, the reprieve didnât last long as Dushmantha Chameera struck, removing Zeeshan for 23. By the end of six overs, Hong Kong, China, were 42/1, steady but not flying. Babar Hayat struggled to get going, falling to Hasaranga, and the Lankans looked on top at that time, where the ball was holdi
150 to chase? A TRICKY, TESTING, and perhaps just about COMPETITIVE total on a slow Dubai deck. Could it be enough for Hong Kong, China, to cause an upset? Their innings had bright moments but also lacked acceleration at crucial phases, finishing with 149/4. Meanwhile, Sri Lankaâs bowlers were sharp in patches, but they let the game drift in the middle and at the death, where Nizakat Khan's unbeaten 52 gave his team some hope. Now, itâs all about whether their bowlers can defend this or i
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, No, they can't! However, this is still a fantastic effort from them against a top side. Maheesh Theekshana floats it up, full and on off, Nizakat Khan lofts it down to long off for just one. Aizaz wants the second but is sent back, the throw comes at the keeper's end, where Kusal Mendis collects it wide of the stumps and takes the bails off. However, the replay shows that Khan has made his ground. Hong Kong, China finish on 149/4!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Maheesh Theekshana sees the batter advance and darts in a yorker, on middle, Nizakat Khan drills it down the pitch. Theekshana gets a hand on his follow-through as the ball hits the bat of the non-striker and stays put. Can Hong Kong, China get to 150 here?
There is a slight halt in the play as it looks like Nizakat Khan is struggling with cramps. The physio is out there, and Khan is having some refreshment drinks. He is up on his feet, back and good to continue for the last two balls.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, FIFTY FOR KHAN! A fantastic knock from him. He is just the second player from Hong Kong, China, to score a fifty in the Asia Cup (T20I format), after Babar Hayat. Flighted, full and outside off, Nizakat Khan goes hard at it and slices it towards deep point for a brace. He raises his bat to take in all the applause. However, it looks like he is just struggling a bit with something here.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, Slows it up, short and on middle, Aizaz Khan goes through his pull early as the ball goes off his back towards point. A leg bye taken.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Fires one full and on middle, Nizakat Khan jams it out to long on for a run. Khan wants the second, but there isn't any.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Hong Kong, China are pushing for hard to cross the 150-mark.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 2 runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! Wow..that is a terrific shot! Dushmantha Chameera just misses the yorker and serves this full, on off. Nizakat Khan gets his front leg out of the way, gets under it and launches it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Well bowled! Fuller and outside off, Aizaz Khan moves across and bunts it out towards extra covers for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Takes pace off, full toss and on off, Nizakat Khan goes through his push early as the ball goes off the bottom edge towards long off for another run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, A full toss around off, Nizakat Khan lifts it on the bounce to extra covers for just a single. He will be disappointed not putting that away.
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and jams it out to long off for one more. Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over. Super stuff from Shanaka!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, Slower one, on a length and on middle, Aizaz Khan looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Aizaz Khan is in at 6.
Dasun Shanaka to Yasim Murtaza, ! TAKEN! Dasun Shanaka strikes in his first over!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Short of a length and on off, Nizakat Khan pulls it from above his head towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Change.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Pitched up and around off, Nizakat Khan forces it to sweeper covers for one. The Free Hit does not cost much.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Edged and gone? Sri Lankan players are celebrating, but HANG ON. The siren goes off, Tushara has overstepped here, and the celebrations are cut short. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit up next.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Overpitched and around off, Nizakat Khan squeezes it out towards extra covers.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, 1 run.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! A tough chance though!
Hong Kong, China, would be aiming for a big finish, but the pitch is slow, and it is pretty tough to hit through the line for the batters.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Yasim Murtaza, No run.
The skipper, Yasim Murtaza, walks in next to bat at 5.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! TAKEN! Anshy Rath falls just short of a well-deserved fifty!
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Dushmantha Chameera bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, takes off viciously, Nizakat Khan tries to ramp it away but misses as the ball is still rising. Kusal Mendis collects and has a throw at the stumps but misses. There is a no back up and the batters steal a bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! The boundaries keep coming for Hong Kong, China!
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Back of a length and around off, Anshy Rath stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Change. Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Tossed it up and around middle, swept away to deep mid-wicket for one. Hong Kong, China are 112/2 after 15 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and fuller, around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Four!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slower and fuller, outside off, Nizakat Khan chips it over the leaping bowler and collects one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Short and outside off, dragged down to long on for a single.
.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, ! GOOD SHOT! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan crouches and cuts it well towards deep backward point. The fielder from deep point runs across to his left and puts in a dive to cut it off but fails to stop the ball from going over the ropes.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Touch fuller and outside off, Nizakat Khan tries to reach out to cut it but misses.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Switches to over the wicket, short and around middle, Rath punches it to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Short and down leg, Khan backs away and knocks it down to wide long on for a single. He wants to have another but is sent back.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan throws his hands a it but fails to lay any bat on it.
Change?
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Another full toss, around off, Nizakat Khan drills it towards sweeper cover. The wide long off fielder runs across to his left, puts in a dive and cuts it off. Three runs taken, and the batters of Hong Kong, China have been pretty excellent in running between the wickets.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! THRASHED! Nuwan Thushara tries for a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, wide outside off. Nizakat Khan extends his arms to reach out and uses the pace of the bowler. Slices it between deep third and deep point for a cracking boundary.
Anshy Rath is struggling a bit after taking a blow on his left elbow from the throw.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Short of a length and around off, Rath gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Anshy Rath backs away and clips it with soft hands in the gap towards deep square leg. He calls for two instantly, but the fielder in the deep gets forward quickly and makes a throw towards the batting end after picking up the ball. However, as Rath was charging back to his crease, the throw hit him on his left elbow. He looks in pain, and the physio is out to have a check on him.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, A low full toss, around off, squeezed away to the right of deep third for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Rath strides forward and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Hong Kong, China are 84/2 after 12 overs.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, ! MUSCLED! Flatter, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and whacks it straight down the ground to beat the diving long on fielder to his left for a boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Quicker but on the pads, knocked down to wide long on for one by Rath.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, ! SHOT OF THE MATCH! Slower and fuller, around middle, Anshy Rath backs away, gets underneath it and goes inside out. Lofts it over covers for a boundary. Holds the pose as well.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Touch short and outside off, Khan comes forward and tickles it towards short fine for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Much shorter and around off, Rath eases it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, ! BREAKS THE SHACKLES! Wanindu tosses it up, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the long on fielder for a biggie. It will ease down the pressure a bit.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and shorter, outside off, Anshy Rath presses back and dabs it down towards cover point for one.
DRINKS! Sri Lanka are in full control of the match. Although they have taken just two wickets, they have kept Hong Kong, China under pressure with some brilliant spin bowling. Wanindu Hasaranga is bowling exceptionally well once again and has also taken a wicket. Meanwhile, the batters from Hong Kong, China are struggling to handle the spinners and appear to be crumbling under the pressure. Let's see what happens in the next phase.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle and leg, Anshy Rath works it through mid-wicket for one.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle, Anshy Rath backs away and drives it firmly wide of sweeper covers for a brace.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, Quicker, short and on off, Nizakat Khan stabs it back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fires in a low full toss, on off, Anshy Rath drills it to long off for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle, Nizakat Khan turns it to the leg side. Just one run and a wicket from the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Nizakat Khan walks in next to bat.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, ! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes! Good reflexes behind the stumps, and Babar Hayat's short stay comes to an end now.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath looks to go for the big slog but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Gives this one some air, full and on middle, Babar Hayat blocks it down the pitch.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Flatter, full and around off, angles away, Babar Hayat guides it off the outer half of the bat to short third for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Floated, full and on off, Babar Hayat uses his feet and lifts it but not from the middle of the bat. It goes in the air but well wide of long off as the batters take two runs.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Loopy low full toss, on leg, Anshy Rath drills it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Did that carry? Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath uses his feet and drills it uppishly down the pitch. Hasarange gets down quickly on his follow-through to stop. Looking at his reaction, it does not look it carried.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 2 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
42/1? Good or just middling score? Hong Kong, China, would be happy not to lose many wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, ! Welcome to the game, Wanindu Hasaranga! He bowls a half-tracker from around the wicket, on middle. Anshy Rath rocks back quickly and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Slows it up, full and on off, Babar Hayat taps it to short covers. Just one runs off the over. Hong Kong, China are 42/1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Dragged back and around off, Babar Hayat stays back and keeps it out to the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, turns in, Babar Hayat strides out to block but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Maybe a bit too high.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Hayat, Nagging length and around middle, defended off the front foot to the left of the mid-wicket. A successful over for Sri Lanka.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Flatte, short and around off, Anshy Rath looks to cut but this one comes a bit quicker. He ends up bunting it out on the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on leg, Anshy Rath goes down and paddles it to shor fine.
Babar Hayat walks out to bat number 3.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, ! CAUGHT BEHIND!Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, LOW BOUNCE! On a length and outside off, Zeeshan Ali extends his arms and looks to cut, but the ball stays low and goes under the bat to the keeper, who grabs it on the bounce behind the wickets.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a length and wide outside off, Zeeshan Ali throws his hands at it and looks to cut it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball goes to the right of deep third and they run two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Change of ends Dushmantha Chameera.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Short and around middle, turned away through mid-wicket for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, WIDE! GOOD STOP! Full toss but down the leg side, Zeeshan Ali misses his flick shot. However, the keeper, Kusal Mendis moves to his left and puts down his left boot to make a good stop to save some runs for his side. Called a wide.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Slower and fuller, outside off, Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to go inside out over covers but gets an outside edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes in the gap to the left of short third and they get two runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Full and around middle and leg, Zeeshan Ali tries to flick it off the back foot but misses. Gets pinged on the front pad and there is an half appeal for LBW but is turned down as it could be sliding down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Ali taps it with soft hands towards mid off and sets off for a quick single. The fielder makes a throw to the bowling end but he misses and there is an overthrow but both batters don't take any extra run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, ! EASY PICKINGS! Full and on the pads, moving in, Zeeshan Ali shifts his weight on the front foot and looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball races away in the gap to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are off to a good start with 31/0 in three overs.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, On a length and outside off, Rath throws his hands at it and slices it uppishly but in the gap to deep backward point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, EDGED AND ! Full and swinging back in, around leg, Anshy Rath comes forward and tries to flick it but gets an inside edge. The ball clips his front pad and beats the diving keeper to his right behind the wickets for a boundary.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Moving away, on a length and outside off, Ali waits and taps it down through cover point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Lands it full and around off, and there is some late outswing. Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to flick it, but gets a leading edge. The ball flies over extra cover and they take two runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! SMACKED! Full and outside off, Anshy Rath comes forward and crisps his drive to beat the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are 18/0 after two overs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a hard length and around middle, Ali presses back and swipes it to deep backward square leg for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Good running between the wickets! Full and around middle, shaping in, Anshy Rath prods forward and flicks it to the left of mid on. Charith Asalanka hunts it down as the outfield isn't that quick. Three runs taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Zeeshan Ali tries to slash but gets an outside edge that rolls down to short third. A single taken. The Lankan bowlers habe been pretty accurate so far.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Who bowls now?
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, No run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, LBW GIVEN! GONE! However, Zeeshan Ali has referred it upstairs straightaway. On a length and angling in, around middle, Zeeshan Ali presses back and looks to pick it up with a pull shot but misses. Gets pinged high on the front pad. An appeal goes up for LBW from the bowler and the keeper, and this time, the umpire raises his finger. The third umpire is called in and there is clear spike when the ball has passed the bat. The on-field call gets overturned and
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Leg bye! An appeal for LBW from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. On a length and shaping in, down leg, Anshy Rath looks to flick it but misses. Gets rapped on the front pad and the ball gets deflected towards cover. Both batters sneak a leg bye. Could have been going down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Pitched up and around middle, Rath prods forward and flicks it to mid on.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Hong Kong, China and Zeeshan Ali are underway straightaway but in a streaky fashion. Swings back in does Nuwan, on the fuller length and around off, Ali takes a step forward and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge that goes in the gap between cover point and extra cover. Three runs taken.
We are all set to begin now! The Sri Lankan players are taking up their respective field positions under the bright lights of the Dubai International Stadium.
Not far away from the first ball now, but before that, the players from the sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the national anthems. It will be Hong Kong, China's first, followed by the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
PITCH REPORT - Roshan Abeysinghe is pitchside. He says that it is a brand new pitch, but a bit dry as well. Russel Arnold joins him and agrees with him. Â Adds that there are a few cracks, and we can expect a tennis-ball bounce. Says that the spinners will have a say and chasing is the better option here, but also does not expect it to change much.
The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that it looks like a decent pitch and they prefer chasing. Adds that he feels the pitch is a bit drier and could be a bit slower. Mentions that the last game was almost perfect, but they will not take any opponent lightly. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana is back in the team in place of Matheesha Pathirana.
Yasim Murtaza, the skipper of Hong Kong, China, says that his team did really well in the last game and they want to repeat the same performance tonight. On team combinations, he confirms one change, with Kalhan Challu making way for Shahid Wasif. Speaking about the approach, he explains that while winning games is important, work ethic remains a priority for the side. On their chances, he admits that they cannot qualify for the Super Four because of a low net run rate, even if they win this ma
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Hong Kong, China (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.
TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Sri Lanka, and the skipper, Charith Asalanka, has elected to FIELD first.
Back with the chase! The players of Hong Kong, China, come out and form a final huddle before they spread out to take their respective positions. Also, walk out the two openers of Sri Lanka, where Pathum Nissanka will open the innings alongside Kusal Mendis.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Sri Lanka bowled 42 dot balls, yet gave away 13 extras, which can prove costly in a game of fine margins. So here we are - 149/4 on the board. Will Sri Lankaâs batters make this a stroll, or can Hong Kong, China, produce the spells of their lives to make this chase a thriller? On this slow pitch, the Powerplay batting will be Sri Lankaâs best bet, using fielding restrictions to kill the game early. Let's see how it goes. The chase is about to begin, so hop up.
That control was broken by the partnership between Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan. Rath anchored with 48, while Nizakat found timely boundaries, adding a crucial 61 runs for the third wicket. Rath fell just short of his fifty, undone by Chameera, and skipper Yasim Murtaza didnât last long either, dismissed by Shanaka on his second ball. But Nizakat kept his calm, shifting gears in the final overs to finish unbeaten on 52 off 38 balls to drag his team close to 150.
The innings began with drama in the Powerplay. Zeeshan Ali got a lifeline on the fourth ball when an LBW decision was overturned, and then another when Chameera dropped him, all in the first over. Still, the reprieve didnât last long as Dushmantha Chameera struck, removing Zeeshan for 23. By the end of six overs, Hong Kong, China, were 42/1, steady but not flying. Babar Hayat struggled to get going, falling to Hasaranga, and the Lankans looked on top at that time, where the ball was holdi
150 to chase? A TRICKY, TESTING, and perhaps just about COMPETITIVE total on a slow Dubai deck. Could it be enough for Hong Kong, China, to cause an upset? Their innings had bright moments but also lacked acceleration at crucial phases, finishing with 149/4. Meanwhile, Sri Lankaâs bowlers were sharp in patches, but they let the game drift in the middle and at the death, where Nizakat Khan's unbeaten 52 gave his team some hope. Now, itâs all about whether their bowlers can defend this or i
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, No, they can't! However, this is still a fantastic effort from them against a top side. Maheesh Theekshana floats it up, full and on off, Nizakat Khan lofts it down to long off for just one. Aizaz wants the second but is sent back, the throw comes at the keeper's end, where Kusal Mendis collects it wide of the stumps and takes the bails off. However, the replay shows that Khan has made his ground. Hong Kong, China finish on 149/4!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Maheesh Theekshana sees the batter advance and darts in a yorker, on middle, Nizakat Khan drills it down the pitch. Theekshana gets a hand on his follow-through as the ball hits the bat of the non-striker and stays put. Can Hong Kong, China get to 150 here?
There is a slight halt in the play as it looks like Nizakat Khan is struggling with cramps. The physio is out there, and Khan is having some refreshment drinks. He is up on his feet, back and good to continue for the last two balls.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, FIFTY FOR KHAN! A fantastic knock from him. He is just the second player from Hong Kong, China, to score a fifty in the Asia Cup (T20I format), after Babar Hayat. Flighted, full and outside off, Nizakat Khan goes hard at it and slices it towards deep point for a brace. He raises his bat to take in all the applause. However, it looks like he is just struggling a bit with something here.Â
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, Slows it up, short and on middle, Aizaz Khan goes through his pull early as the ball goes off his back towards point. A leg bye taken.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Fires one full and on middle, Nizakat Khan jams it out to long on for a run. Khan wants the second, but there isn't any.
Maheesh Theekshana to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Hong Kong, China are pushing for hard to cross the 150-mark.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 2 runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! Wow..that is a terrific shot! Dushmantha Chameera just misses the yorker and serves this full, on off. Nizakat Khan gets his front leg out of the way, gets under it and launches it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Aizaz Khan, Well bowled! Fuller and outside off, Aizaz Khan moves across and bunts it out towards extra covers for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Takes pace off, full toss and on off, Nizakat Khan goes through his push early as the ball goes off the bottom edge towards long off for another run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, A full toss around off, Nizakat Khan lifts it on the bounce to extra covers for just a single. He will be disappointed not putting that away.
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and jams it out to long off for one more. Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over. Super stuff from Shanaka!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, Slower one, on a length and on middle, Aizaz Khan looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.
Dasun Shanaka to Aizaz Khan, 1 run.
Aizaz Khan is in at 6.
Dasun Shanaka to Yasim Murtaza, ! TAKEN! Dasun Shanaka strikes in his first over!
Dasun Shanaka to Nizakat Khan, Short of a length and on off, Nizakat Khan pulls it from above his head towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Change.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Pitched up and around off, Nizakat Khan forces it to sweeper covers for one. The Free Hit does not cost much.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Edged and gone? Sri Lankan players are celebrating, but HANG ON. The siren goes off, Tushara has overstepped here, and the celebrations are cut short. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit up next.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Overpitched and around off, Nizakat Khan squeezes it out towards extra covers.
Nuwan Thushara to Yasim Murtaza, 1 run.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! A tough chance though!
Hong Kong, China, would be aiming for a big finish, but the pitch is slow, and it is pretty tough to hit through the line for the batters.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Yasim Murtaza, No run.
The skipper, Yasim Murtaza, walks in next to bat at 5.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! TAKEN! Anshy Rath falls just short of a well-deserved fifty!
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, Dushmantha Chameera bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, takes off viciously, Nizakat Khan tries to ramp it away but misses as the ball is still rising. Kusal Mendis collects and has a throw at the stumps but misses. There is a no back up and the batters steal a bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Nizakat Khan, ! The boundaries keep coming for Hong Kong, China!
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Back of a length and around off, Anshy Rath stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Change. Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Tossed it up and around middle, swept away to deep mid-wicket for one. Hong Kong, China are 112/2 after 15 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and fuller, around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Four!
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slower and fuller, outside off, Nizakat Khan chips it over the leaping bowler and collects one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Short and outside off, dragged down to long on for a single.
.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, ! GOOD SHOT! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan crouches and cuts it well towards deep backward point. The fielder from deep point runs across to his left and puts in a dive to cut it off but fails to stop the ball from going over the ropes.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Touch fuller and outside off, Nizakat Khan tries to reach out to cut it but misses.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Switches to over the wicket, short and around middle, Rath punches it to long on for one.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Wide!
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, Short and down leg, Khan backs away and knocks it down to wide long on for a single. He wants to have another but is sent back.
Maheesh Theekshana to Nizakat Khan, BEATEN! Short and wide outside off, Nizakat Khan throws his hands a it but fails to lay any bat on it.
Change?
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, Another full toss, around off, Nizakat Khan drills it towards sweeper cover. The wide long off fielder runs across to his left, puts in a dive and cuts it off. Three runs taken, and the batters of Hong Kong, China have been pretty excellent in running between the wickets.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, ! THRASHED! Nuwan Thushara tries for a yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, wide outside off. Nizakat Khan extends his arms to reach out and uses the pace of the bowler. Slices it between deep third and deep point for a cracking boundary.
Anshy Rath is struggling a bit after taking a blow on his left elbow from the throw.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Short of a length and around off, Rath gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Anshy Rath backs away and clips it with soft hands in the gap towards deep square leg. He calls for two instantly, but the fielder in the deep gets forward quickly and makes a throw towards the batting end after picking up the ball. However, as Rath was charging back to his crease, the throw hit him on his left elbow. He looks in pain, and the physio is out to have a check on him.
Nuwan Thushara to Nizakat Khan, A low full toss, around off, squeezed away to the right of deep third for a single.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fuller and down leg, Rath strides forward and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Hong Kong, China are 84/2 after 12 overs.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, ! MUSCLED! Flatter, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet and whacks it straight down the ground to beat the diving long on fielder to his left for a boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Quicker but on the pads, knocked down to wide long on for one by Rath.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, ! SHOT OF THE MATCH! Slower and fuller, around middle, Anshy Rath backs away, gets underneath it and goes inside out. Lofts it over covers for a boundary. Holds the pose as well.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Touch short and outside off, Khan comes forward and tickles it towards short fine for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Much shorter and around off, Rath eases it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, ! BREAKS THE SHACKLES! Wanindu tosses it up, full and around middle, Nizakat Khan uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the long on fielder for a biggie. It will ease down the pressure a bit.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Slower and shorter, outside off, Anshy Rath presses back and dabs it down towards cover point for one.
DRINKS! Sri Lanka are in full control of the match. Although they have taken just two wickets, they have kept Hong Kong, China under pressure with some brilliant spin bowling. Wanindu Hasaranga is bowling exceptionally well once again and has also taken a wicket. Meanwhile, the batters from Hong Kong, China are struggling to handle the spinners and appear to be crumbling under the pressure. Let's see what happens in the next phase.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle and leg, Anshy Rath works it through mid-wicket for one.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on middle, Anshy Rath backs away and drives it firmly wide of sweeper covers for a brace.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Nizakat Khan, Quicker, short and on off, Nizakat Khan stabs it back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Fires in a low full toss, on off, Anshy Rath drills it to long off for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle, Nizakat Khan turns it to the leg side. Just one run and a wicket from the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Nizakat Khan, No run.
Nizakat Khan walks in next to bat.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, ! STUMPED! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes! Good reflexes behind the stumps, and Babar Hayat's short stay comes to an end now.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath looks to go for the big slog but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Gives this one some air, full and on middle, Babar Hayat blocks it down the pitch.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, No run.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Flatter, full and around off, angles away, Babar Hayat guides it off the outer half of the bat to short third for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Babar Hayat, Floated, full and on off, Babar Hayat uses his feet and lifts it but not from the middle of the bat. It goes in the air but well wide of long off as the batters take two runs.
Charith Asalanka to Anshy Rath, Loopy low full toss, on leg, Anshy Rath drills it down to long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, Did that carry? Flighted, full and on middle, Anshy Rath uses his feet and drills it uppishly down the pitch. Hasarange gets down quickly on his follow-through to stop. Looking at his reaction, it does not look it carried.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 2 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
42/1? Good or just middling score? Hong Kong, China, would be happy not to lose many wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Babar Hayat, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Anshy Rath, ! Welcome to the game, Wanindu Hasaranga! He bowls a half-tracker from around the wicket, on middle. Anshy Rath rocks back quickly and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Slows it up, full and on off, Babar Hayat taps it to short covers. Just one runs off the over. Hong Kong, China are 42/1 at the end of the Powerplay!
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, Dragged back and around off, Babar Hayat stays back and keeps it out to the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Babar Hayat, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, turns in, Babar Hayat strides out to block but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Maybe a bit too high.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Babar Hayat, Nagging length and around middle, defended off the front foot to the left of the mid-wicket. A successful over for Sri Lanka.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Flatte, short and around off, Anshy Rath looks to cut but this one comes a bit quicker. He ends up bunting it out on the off side.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, Floated, full and on leg, Anshy Rath goes down and paddles it to shor fine.
Babar Hayat walks out to bat number 3.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, ! CAUGHT BEHIND!Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, LOW BOUNCE! On a length and outside off, Zeeshan Ali extends his arms and looks to cut, but the ball stays low and goes under the bat to the keeper, who grabs it on the bounce behind the wickets.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, Short of a length and wide outside off, Zeeshan Ali throws his hands at it and looks to cut it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball goes to the right of deep third and they run two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Change of ends Dushmantha Chameera.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Short and around middle, turned away through mid-wicket for a single.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, WIDE! GOOD STOP! Full toss but down the leg side, Zeeshan Ali misses his flick shot. However, the keeper, Kusal Mendis moves to his left and puts down his left boot to make a good stop to save some runs for his side. Called a wide.
Maheesh Theekshana to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, 1 run.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Slower and fuller, outside off, Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to go inside out over covers but gets an outside edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes in the gap to the left of short third and they get two runs.
Maheesh Theekshana to Zeeshan Ali, Full and around middle and leg, Zeeshan Ali tries to flick it off the back foot but misses. Gets pinged on the front pad and there is an half appeal for LBW but is turned down as it could be sliding down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Ali taps it with soft hands towards mid off and sets off for a quick single. The fielder makes a throw to the bowling end but he misses and there is an overthrow but both batters don't take any extra run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, ! EASY PICKINGS! Full and on the pads, moving in, Zeeshan Ali shifts his weight on the front foot and looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of the bat. The ball races away in the gap to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are off to a good start with 31/0 in three overs.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, On a length and outside off, Rath throws his hands at it and slices it uppishly but in the gap to deep backward point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, EDGED AND ! Full and swinging back in, around leg, Anshy Rath comes forward and tries to flick it but gets an inside edge. The ball clips his front pad and beats the diving keeper to his right behind the wickets for a boundary.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Moving away, on a length and outside off, Ali waits and taps it down through cover point for one.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Lands it full and around off, and there is some late outswing. Zeeshan Ali uses his feet and looks to flick it, but gets a leading edge. The ball flies over extra cover and they take two runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, ! SMACKED! Full and outside off, Anshy Rath comes forward and crisps his drive to beat the diving extra cover fielder to his right for a boundary. Hong Kong, China are 18/0 after two overs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a hard length and around middle, Ali presses back and swipes it to deep backward square leg for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, Good running between the wickets! Full and around middle, shaping in, Anshy Rath prods forward and flicks it to the left of mid on. Charith Asalanka hunts it down as the outfield isn't that quick. Three runs taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, No run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Zeeshan Ali, On a good length and around off, Zeeshan Ali tries to slash but gets an outside edge that rolls down to short third. A single taken. The Lankan bowlers habe been pretty accurate so far.
Dushmantha Chameera to Anshy Rath, 1 run.
Who bowls now?
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, No run.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Four!
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, LBW GIVEN! GONE! However, Zeeshan Ali has referred it upstairs straightaway. On a length and angling in, around middle, Zeeshan Ali presses back and looks to pick it up with a pull shot but misses. Gets pinged high on the front pad. An appeal goes up for LBW from the bowler and the keeper, and this time, the umpire raises his finger. The third umpire is called in and there is clear spike when the ball has passed the bat. The on-field call gets overturned and
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Leg bye! An appeal for LBW from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. On a length and shaping in, down leg, Anshy Rath looks to flick it but misses. Gets rapped on the front pad and the ball gets deflected towards cover. Both batters sneak a leg bye. Could have been going down leg.
Nuwan Thushara to Anshy Rath, Pitched up and around middle, Rath prods forward and flicks it to mid on.
Nuwan Thushara to Zeeshan Ali, Hong Kong, China and Zeeshan Ali are underway straightaway but in a streaky fashion. Swings back in does Nuwan, on the fuller length and around off, Ali takes a step forward and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge that goes in the gap between cover point and extra cover. Three runs taken.
We are all set to begin now! The Sri Lankan players are taking up their respective field positions under the bright lights of the Dubai International Stadium.
Not far away from the first ball now, but before that, the players from the sides make their way out to the middle and line up for the national anthems. It will be Hong Kong, China's first, followed by the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
PITCH REPORT - Roshan Abeysinghe is pitchside. He says that it is a brand new pitch, but a bit dry as well. Russel Arnold joins him and agrees with him. Â Adds that there are a few cracks, and we can expect a tennis-ball bounce. Says that the spinners will have a say and chasing is the better option here, but also does not expect it to change much.
The skipper of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says that it looks like a decent pitch and they prefer chasing. Adds that he feels the pitch is a bit drier and could be a bit slower. Mentions that the last game was almost perfect, but they will not take any opponent lightly. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana is back in the team in place of Matheesha Pathirana.
Yasim Murtaza, the skipper of Hong Kong, China, says that his team did really well in the last game and they want to repeat the same performance tonight. On team combinations, he confirms one change, with Kalhan Challu making way for Shahid Wasif. Speaking about the approach, he explains that while winning games is important, work ethic remains a priority for the side. On their chances, he admits that they cannot qualify for the Super Four because of a low net run rate, even if they win this ma
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Hong Kong, China (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.
TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Sri Lanka, and the skipper, Charith Asalanka, has elected to FIELD first.