The first day of the Hong Kong Sixes witnessed an enthralling match as Hong Kong defeated Sri Lanka by 4 wickets to claim their second victory of the tournament. Hong Kong’s first match of the day was scheduled against Bangladesh, but it was abandoned due to rain, making the clash against Sri Lanka their opening contest.
At the Mong Kok Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka’s batting started slowly. Thinuka Dabaré and Dhananjaya Lakshan managed to score just 42 runs between them in the first three overs. The middle-order batsmen failed to make any impact, with Lahiru Dilshan struggling and Tharindu Ratnayake contributing only a single run. The final flourish came from Nimesh Vimukthi, whose cameo of four balls yielded 79 runs, lifting Sri Lanka to a modest total.
Chasing 79 runs, Hong Kong lost an early wicket off the very first delivery. Despite Bahar Hayat being dismissed cheaply, the team regained stability thanks to Yasim Murtaza and Aziz Khan. Captain Murtaza contributed 26 runs off just 8 balls, while Aziz Khan delivered an explosive 44 runs from 10 balls, guiding Hong Kong to victory in a mere 3.4 overs.
Aziz Khan’s unbeaten 44 earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in Hong Kong’s impressive chase.
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 79 | 6 | Lost |
| Hong Kong | 80/1 | 3.4 | Won by 4 wickets |
Hong Kong’s stunning performance against a formidable Sri Lankan side has already generated excitement among fans and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.