Sri Lanka started their Bowl campaign with a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Nepal in the opening Bowl match of the Hong Kong International Sixes 2025 at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok. Chasing a target of 87 runs, Sri Lanka reached 89/3 in just 5.3 overs thanks to a stunning unbeaten partnership between captain Dhananjaya Lakshan (36*) and Nimesh Vimukthi (33*). Nepal had earlier posted 86/4 in their six overs, with captain Sundeep Jora top-scoring with 39 runs off 10 balls. Despite early setbacks in the chase, Sri Lanka’s powerful hitting in the death overs secured victory.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 86 | 6.0 | 4 | Lost by 3 wickets |
| Sri Lanka | 89 | 5.3 | 3 | Won by 3 wickets |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhananjaya Lakshan | Sri Lanka | Batsman | 36* (10 balls, 5 sixes) |
| Sundeep Jora | Nepal | Batsman | 39 (10 balls, 10 fours) |
| Nimesh Vimukthi | Sri Lanka | Batsman | 33* (12 balls, 1 four, 4 sixes) |
| Lokesh Bam | Nepal | All-rounder | 31* (13 balls) and 1/17 (1 over) |
| Rupesh Singh | Nepal | Bowler | 2/17 (1.3 overs) |
Key Moments
- Sundeep Jora’s explosive start: Nepal captain smashed 39 runs off just 10 balls with 10 boundaries, giving his team a flying start before falling in the 3rd over.
- Early collapse for Sri Lanka: The defending champions lost three quick wickets, including two in consecutive balls by Rupesh Singh, and were reduced to 20/3 in 2.2 overs.
- Lakshan-Vimukthi partnership: The unbeaten 69-run stand between Dhananjaya Lakshan and Nimesh Vimukthi turned the match around completely.
- Final over fireworks: Dhananjaya Lakshan hit three consecutive sixes in the final over bowled by Rupesh Singh to seal the victory with three balls to spare.
- Vimukthi’s explosive cameo: Hit 20 runs in one over off Mohammad Aadil Alam, including three sixes and a four.
Match Analysis
Nepal’s batting performance was built around their captain’s blistering knock, but they lost momentum after his dismissal. Lokesh Bam held the innings together with an unbeaten 31, but Nepal’s total of 86 looked below par on a good batting surface.
Sri Lanka’s chase started poorly as Rupesh Singh struck twice in two balls to leave them reeling. However, the experienced pair of Lakshan and Vimukthi showed composure and power-hitting ability. They targeted the right bowlers, particularly punishing Mohammad Aadil Alam and Sharad Vesawkar in the middle overs before Lakshan finished the job with authority.
The match showcased the exciting nature of six-a-side cricket, where momentum can shift quickly and individual brilliance can decide outcomes.
What’s Next?
Nepal will face the United Arab Emirates in Bowl Match 3, looking to bounce back from this defeat. They need to improve their death bowling after conceding 39 runs in the final two overs.
Sri Lanka, the defending champions of the tournament, will aim to continue their winning form as they progress through the Bowl competition. Their captain Dhananjaya Lakshan’s form will be crucial as they eye another trophy.
The Hong Kong International Sixes 2025 continues with more exciting matches over the next two days, featuring 12 teams competing for Cup, Plate, and Bowl honors.