Asia Cup 2025, HK vs SL, Match 8: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka Toss update and Playing XI

Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, China, are ready for the 8th game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Sri Lanka started their campaign with a dominating win over Bangladesh. After getting defeated in two matches, Hong Kong is already out of round of four contention. 

The brand-new pitch of Dubai International Stadium looks dry and has some cracks as well. Experts believe that batters may have handled sudden bounce and spin during the later part of the match. 

Toss update:

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first. After winning the toss, he said, "It looks like a decent pitch, and we prefer to chase a target. We feel the pitch is a bit drier and could be a bit slower as well. Our previous match was almost perfect, but we will not take any opponents lightly." 

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For the match against Hong Kong, Sri Lanka made a change in their playing XI. They put Maheesh Theekshana back in the lineup in place of Matheesha Pathirana.

On the other side, Hong Kong, China captain Yasim Murtaza mentioned, "We really played in our last game and want to do the same in this match as well... We cannot qualify for the Super Four, even if we win today's match, because of the low run rate. But we are quite satisfied with our performances."

Playing XI:

Sri Lanka—Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, and Maheesh Theekshana.

Hong Kong, China—Zeeshan Ali (WK), Anshy Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza (C), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Shahid Wasif, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, and Ateeq Iqbal.