The excitement of the Asia Cup 2025 continues with more thrilling matches for cricket fans. The seventh match of the tournament is scheduled on September 15th at 8:00 PM IST, where Sri Lanka will take on Hong Kong at the Dubai International Stadium.
This blog covers all key insights for the match, including pitch conditions, player performance, team predictions, and fantasy squad tips.
Match Details and Venue Insight
The iconic Dubai International Stadium will host this clash, a ground known for high-intensity international cricket. The venue history gives great insight into how teams generally perform here.
Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch in Dubai often provides a balanced game for both bat and ball.
- Average First Innings Score: 145 runs
- Highest Score: 212/2
- Lowest Score: 55/10
In the last four matches here:
- Pacers: 35 wickets
- Spinners: 29 wickets
This indicates pacers hold a slight edge, though spinners remain effective.
Scoring Patterns in Dubai
Across 95 T20 matches:
- Scores below 150: 50 times
- Scores between 150-169: 24 times
- Scores between 170-189: 13 times
- Scores 190 or more: 8 times
- Teams batting first have won 46 matches
- Teams batting second have won 48 matches
So, chasing teams enjoy a small advantage. If Sri Lanka bats first, they should easily post 160-170 runs.
Recent Match Highlight
On September 12th, Pakistan scored 160 while Oman collapsed to 67. Key bowling stats:
- 1st Innings: Pacers (3), Spinners (4)
- 2nd Innings: Pacers (3), Spinners (6)
This confirms that both pace and spin bowlers will play a vital role.
Bowling Analysis: Pacers vs. Spinners
| Bowler Type | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|
| Right-arm Fast | 7 |
| Right-arm Fast Medium | 24 |
| Right-arm Medium | 0 |
| Left-arm Medium Fast | 4 |
| Total Pacers | 35 |
| Left-arm Wrist Spin | 3 |
| Left-arm Orthodox Spin | 6 |
| Left-arm Off-Spin | 13 |
| Right-arm Off-Spin | 7 |
| Total Spinners | 29 |
Pacers, especially right-arm fast medium, dominate this venue.
Head-to-Head and Team Form
This game marks the first-ever clash between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong in T20 format.
- Sri Lanka Recent Form: Won their last 2 T20 matches, entering with momentum.
- Hong Kong Recent Form: Lost their last 3 matches, entering under pressure.
Sri Lanka is the definite favorite, making their players safer picks for fantasy teams.
Sri Lanka Team Analysis
Sri Lanka looks strong with both bat and ball.
Probable Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Batting Key Players
- Pathum Nissanka – Excellent fantasy choice; can score 40-70 runs.
- Kusal Mendis – Safe pick, good partnership potential with Nissanka.
- Kamindu Mendis – Risky but has potential to surprise.
- Kusal Perera – Risky pick but proven ability.
- Charith Asalanka – Not recommended; inconsistent.
- Dasun Shanaka – Expected to fail; better to avoid.
Bowling Key Players
- Wanindu Hasaranga – Must-have pick, expected 2-3 wickets.
- Dushmantha Chameera – Reliable wicket-taker.
- Nuwan Thushara – Clean bowler, strong pick.
- Matheesha Pathirana – Main fast bowler, highly valuable despite form.
Sri Lanka’s bowling roles:
- Opening: Thushara, Shanaka, Chameera
- Middle overs: Pathirana, Hasaranga
- Death overs: Thushara, Pathirana, Chameera
Hong Kong Team Analysis
Hong Kong faces an uphill task but still has players to watch.
Probable Playing XI
Anshuman Rath, Zeeshan Ali, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza, Ehsan Khan, Aizaz Khan, Shahid Wasif, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Adil Khan.
Batting Key Players
- Anshuman Rath – Experienced, not a drop.
- Zeeshan Ali – Average record, avoid.
- Babar Hayat – Better if Hong Kong chases.
- Nizakat Khan – Strong form, recommend picking.
- Yasim Murtaza – Bowling all-rounder, but struggling lately.
- Shahid Wasif – Poor form, best avoided.
Bowling Key Players
- Ehsan Khan – Useful mainly in second innings.
- Ayush Shukla – Good pick, 1-2 wickets likely thanks to pitch support.
Hong Kong’s bowling roles:
- Opening: Shukla, Iqbal, Ehsan Khan
- Middle overs: Murtaza, Wasif
- Death overs: Iqbal, Shukla
Top Fantasy Picks
Key Players
- Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Thushara, Kusal Perera
- Hong Kong: Babar Hayat, Aizaz Khan, Shahid Wasif
Safe Captain and Vice-Captain Options
- Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga or Matheesha Pathirana
- Vice-Captain: Charith Asalanka
Predicted Dream Team
- Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
- Batsmen: Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Nizakat Khan
- All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Yasim Murtaza, Shahid Wasif
- Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Ayush Shukla
- Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
- Vice-Captain: Charith Asalanka
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 clash between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong promises plenty of excitement. Sri Lanka appears stronger with form, balanced squad depth, and better T20 momentum.
The Dubai International Stadium pitch offers help to pacers, though spinners like Hasaranga can make a big difference. For fantasy cricket players, focusing on Sri Lanka’s core players while carefully picking Hong Kong’s form players gives the best chance of success.
