10:25pm And that will be a wrap for this game. Sri Lanka will be relieved they managed to get through this test and that they overcame this scare, even if their skipper was stern in the assessment of his side's performance. Hong Kong go back with a bagful of memories and lots of learnings, which they will now want to put into practice to become a better side, which they would hope allows them to break their Asia Cup duck the next time it comes around. We hope you enjoyed our coverage. But until next time, from Chandan, Ranjith and myself (Shashwat), it is goodbye. Take care, folks!
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka captain: (On what they were feeling during the mini batting collapse) In that moment, I think our heart was in our mouths. Few areas I am really disappointed about. First three overs when we were bowling and then the 16th over, we lost a couple of wickets and then lost my wicket. In the shorter format, these things can happen but it cannot keep happening consistently. We have to analyze it and improve ourselves. (On the score) Felt confident because the pitch was looking good. Credit goes to them, they batted really well and we bowled badly in the first three overs. This is not the way we wanted to play. When we are playing these sides, there is a pressure always. But we are professionals and as professionals, we have to do much better than this.
Yasim Murtaza, Hong Kong captain: I am really proud of the way the boys stood up today, especially in the batting. Nizakat and Anshy, their partnership was crucial. We missed a few chances, but in the end, the way the bowlers and batters (played), very proud of them. (On the score and if it was defendable) We wanted 150-160, so got what we wanted. We dropped a few catches and that cost us the game. The positive thing is that (we are) playing on the big stage, (it) is like a dream come true. We will think on a lot of things (after going back) and work on that.
Pathum Nissanka, the Player of the Match says that it was not an easy pitch. Hong Kong bowled well, but his plan was to drag the innings and he is very happy with the way he is batting.
10:05pm Phew. Finally something resembling a thriller at this Asia Cup. This too was a slow burn. At the half-way stage, it felt Sri Lanka had this under control. Then, Hong Kong applied the powerplay squeeze and asked Sri Lanka questions. Nissanka answered most of them through his stunning 44-ball 68, but once he departed, the Sri Lankan innings descended into a bit of a procession, with several quick wickets.
Thankfully for Sri Lanka, they had a deep batting unit to bank upon. Shanaka held up his end of the bargain and Hasaranga, fresh off an injury, came up clutch with a 9-ball 20. Sri Lanka, it must be added, were helped by Hong Kong's wastefulness in the field, and by a No ball by their skipper in the 18th over. And that will sting Hong Kong the most. They could have made this a truly special evening, but they will go back now with that sinking feeling of what could have and perhaps should have been.
Sri Lanka a hit away from a win
Iqbal, who has bowled just two overs, to bowl the 19th. Hasaranga on strike. Keeper up to the stumps. 9 off 12
END OF OVER:18 | 14 Runs 1 Wkt | SL: 141/6 (9 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 7.83, RRR: 4.50)
- Dasun Shanaka6 (3b)
- Wanindu Hasaranga8 (4b)
- Yasim Murtaza4-0-37-2
- Ehsan Khan4-0-25-1
Hasaranga in at 8. Around the wicket
PHKD Mendis c Babar Hayat b Yasim Murtaza 5 (3m 5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 100
Murtaza has one over up his sleeve, and he decides this is the time to play that card. Over the wicket to Kamindu. 23 off 18
Joynul: "Can HK hold onto their nerves? Cheering for them, a BD fan!"
END OF OVER:17 | 5 Runs 1 Wkt | SL: 127/5 (23 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 7.47, RRR: 7.66)
- Kamindu Mendis5 (4b)
- Dasun Shanaka1 (1b)
- Ehsan Khan4-0-25-1
- Yasim Murtaza3-0-23-1
James: "Finally a close game. Hope this one goes till the last ball"
