By News18,Rudransh Khurana

Copyright news18

Asia Cup 2025 shifts back to Dubai for a Group B clash between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, China. This is the final league game for Yasim Murtaza’s side, who are staring at elimination after two successive defeats. Even if they manage to upset an in-form Sri Lankan unit, their hopes of progressing will still rest on other results, which is a tall order. For a team with limited exposure at multilateral events, Hong Kong, China have shown signs of growth across their two outings. They were comprehensively beaten by Afghanistan in the opener, but looked far more assured against Bangladesh, even though they eventually fell short. That is often the journey of a developing side, learning step by step against stronger opposition and tougher conditions. Their biggest worry had been the constant fall of wickets, but the previous match offered promise as the batting unit stitched together some useful partnerships, with Zeeshan Ali and Nizakat Khan contributing handy runs. At number three, Babar Hayat remains the pillar of their batting, and much will depend on him to deliver a standout knock if Hong Kong, China are to push Sri Lanka. Bowling-wise, Ayush Shukla has been among the wickets, but has been a touch expensive as well. It’s important for them to put on some control during the death overs as they have leaked runs in that critical phase. Overall, a more improved performance from these blokes will surely boost more confidence in the whole squad. Sri Lanka step in with confidence sky-high after dismantling Bangladesh in their previous outing. It was dominance from the very first ball, with every department clicking in sync. The pace of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara has given them early breakthroughs, while Wanindu Hasaranga’s timely return from injury has added bite and variety to their attack. Matheesha Pathirana has been a bit expensive at times, but that comes with the style he bowls, and the team will be hoping for more control from him moving forward. With the bat, the top order has been in fine form, as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis continue to deliver match-winning knocks. The emergence of Kamil Mishara at number three has been a major boost, providing solidity at a key position and easing the burden on the middle order. With bat and ball both firing, Sri Lanka look like a team growing stronger with each match in this tournament. Interestingly, this is the first-ever time these two sides will meet in the T20I format, or for a fact, in any format of cricket. Hence, both teams are unaware of the challenges they are going to face. It will be interesting to see how the Hong Kong, China batters face the Sri Lankan bowling attack and how their bowlers operate against a full-ledged and in-form Sri Lankan top order. The Sri Lankans have a strong record in Dubai as they have won five out of 8 T20Is, and this is the same venue where they clinched the 2022 Asia Cup by defeating Pakistan. Of course, the Lankans will stride out as clear favorites, and for Hong Kong, China, it is all about stringing together a strong performance to throw some challenge to their counterparts, and more importantly, gain as much knowledge as they can with this kind of exposure to a variety of international sides. An exciting clash is on the cards.