Hong Kong slam 149 against fancied SL team, show Pakistan how to bat in Dubai

Hong Kong put up a fight in their final group stage game of Asia Cup 2025, with Nizakat Khan's 50 guiding them to 149

Hong Kong were always in for a tough Asia Cup campaign. The associate nation were group alongside heavy weights Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The jump was significant and the 94-run defeat in their tournament opener showcased the gap. However, come Monday, the Yasim Murtaza led side showed the likes of Pakistan a batting template on a tricky Dubai surface.

Hong Kong give Pakistan Dubai template with Asia Cup 2025 show vs SL

Hong Kong managed a paltry 94 in the first game against Afghanistan, but have since shown their mettle. Against Bangladesh, the side put on a fighting 143. They bettered it in their final group stage game, falling one short of 150. On a Dubai surface that has many tricks, Hong Kong put on a batting template for success.

Opener Anshuman Rath held up one end, playing the role of anchor to perfection. After Zeeshan Ali and Babar Hayat fell early, the onus was on Nizakat Khan to up the ante. The duo mixed caution with aggression to put Hong Kong in a solid position. Rath was dimissed for 48 off 46, while Khan eventually managed a half-century.

While Hong Kong’s 149 is not ground breaking, it is higher than what Pakistan managed on the same surface against India on Sunday. Their batting line up dealt with the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesha Theekshana expertly. They did not allow the bowlers to settle, a template that could be followed by teams batting first.

Pakistan themselves got 160 against Oman at the same venue. However, it came against an inferior attack, and needed a special half-century from Mohammed Haris to get them to that total.