Sri Lanka ‘A’ registered a comfortable win over Hong Kong in their second game of the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 T20 Cricket Tournament, played today (17th November) in Doha, Qatar.
Skipper Dunith Wellalage won the toss and elected to bowl first, making just one change to the playing XI — bringing in Traveen Mathew in place of Isitha Wijesundara.
The decision paid off handsomely as Sri Lanka ‘A’ delivered a disciplined all-round bowling performance to restrict Hong Kong to just 117/9 in their 20 overs. The newcomer Mathew justified his selection with an impressive spell, picking up 3 wickets for 21 runs in his four overs, troubling the batters with sharp variations and control.
>>Dunith Wellalage to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025
The wrist-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and captain Wellalage also played key roles, claiming two wickets each to maintain constant pressure throughout the innings.
Chasing a modest target, Sri Lanka ‘A’ made light work of the run-chase, reaching the score in 13.4 overs with seven wickets in hand.
Middle-order star Nuwanidu Fernando anchored the innings magnificently, smashing an unbeaten 47 off 27 deliveries, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Opening batter Nishan Madushka set the tone early with a brisk 35 off 28 balls, featuring 4 fours and a six.
>>Afghanistan ‘A’ edge Sri Lanka ‘A’ in last-over thriller at Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025
The dominant win keeps Sri Lanka ‘A’ in strong contention as they move forward in the tournament. Their next challenge will be against Bangladesh ‘A’ on 19th November, where they will look to continue their winning momentum.
Brief Scores
Hong Kong – 117/9 (20) Shiv Mathur 26, Traveen Mathew 3/21, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 2/11, Dunith Wellalage 2/24
Sri Lanka ‘A’ – 120/3 (13.4) Nuwanidu Fernando 47*, Nishan Madushka 35
Result – Sri Lanka ‘A’ won by 7 wickets
 in Doha, Qatar. ){kind=link}