Asia Cup 2025 : Kusal Mendis’ quick recovery saves the day as Babar Hayat falls short of his crease – SL vs HK

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In a moment that combined a bit of drama with some quick thinking, Sri Lanka picked a crucial wicket against Hong Kong in Match 8 of Asia Cup 2025. The incident unfolded with a touch of panic and a touch of brilliance, resulting in a dismissal that shifted the momentum of the game. It was a testament to the fact that even when things don’t go according to plan, quick reflexes and determination can still get the job done. The wicket of Babar Hayat left Hong Kong at 57/2, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control.

The pivotal moment arrived during the 8.4th over, delivered by Sri Lanka’s spin wizard, Wanindu Hasaranga. As he sent down a googly that fizzed through on a fullish length just outside the off stump, Hong Kong’s Babar stepped out of his crease with an aggressive intent to smash the ball. However, he was completely deceived by the spin, failing to pick the googly and missing the ball by a wide margin.

The wicketkeeper, Kusal Mendis, also seemed to be caught off guard by the sharp turn, as he fumbled the ball initially. For a moment, it seemed as if the opportunity had been missed. Yet, in a display of remarkable reflexes, Mendis recovered instantly, recovering his balance and managing to knock the bails off in a split second. The decision was sent upstairs to the third umpire, but replays confirmed that Babar had not made it back to his ground, securing a wicket for Sri Lanka in what was a far from elegant, yet ultimately effective, stumping.

தூக்கி அடிக்க பார்த்து.. அச்சச்சோ.. அவுட் ஆகி வெளியேறிய Babar Hayat 😯

📺காணுங்கள் #SLvHKC உங்கள் சோனி ஸ்போர்ட்ஸ் நேரலை டிவி சேனல் & சோனி லைவ்#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 15, 2025

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In a performance that defied their recent struggles, Hong Kong’s batting lineup put up a fighting effort to post a respectable total of 149/4 in their 20 overs. After being put in to bat, Hong Kong got off to a steady start, thanks to the opening pair of Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath, who added 41 runs before the first wicket fell. Rath went on to anchor the innings with a patient knock of 48 from 46 balls, while Nizakat Khan played a crucial role in providing the late impetus.

Nizakat contributed with a solid half-century, scoring 52 runs and adding momentum to their total. Sri Lankan bowlers, however, were disciplined for the most part, with Dushmantha Chameera leading the attack with two crucial wickets for 29 runs. Dasun Shanaka’s one wicket for a mere five runs was also a standout performance that helped keep Hong Kong’s scoring in check. Though the target of 150 remains a manageable one, Hong Kong’s batters have given their bowlers a total to fight for.

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