Sri Lanka survive Hong Kong scare in Asia Cup clash

Sri Lanka were made to sweat before edging past Hong Kong by four wickets in their Asia Cup Group B encounter in Dubai on Monday, with opener Pathum Nissanka's half-century and a late cameo from Wanindu Hasaranga proving decisive.

Chasing 150, Sri Lanka appeared to be cruising at 119-2 in 15 overs following a 57-run stand between Nissanka and Kusal Perera but a sudden collapse triggered by spinners Yasim Murtaza (2-37) and Ehsan Khan (1-25) saw the Lankans slump to 127 for six in the 18th over, briefly giving Hong Kong hope of a major upset.

Hasaranga, however, settled the nerves with an unbeaten 20 off nine deliveries to see his side home with seven balls to spare. Earlier, Nissanka anchored the chase with a 44-ball 68, smashing six fours and two sixes, though his innings was riddled with fortune after being dropped three times. Perera (20 runs off 16 balls) too benefitted from Hong Kong's generosity in the field, with the associate side putting down six chances in total.

Hong Kong's batters had given their side a competitive platform after electing to bat. Nizakat Khan struck an unbeaten 38-ball 52, while Anshy Rath contributed with a 46-ball 48, their partnership helping post 149-4. 

The win saw Sri Lanka propel to the top of Group B standings with four points from two matches.