Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Match: Pool D – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 11:40 AM local time (6:40 AM GMT)
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Format: 6 overs per side, 6 players per team
Match Context
The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 kicks off with exciting Pool D action as Bangladesh face defending champions Sri Lanka in an all-Asian clash. Sri Lanka won the title last year by defeating Pakistan in the final, claiming their second Hong Kong Sixes trophy. Bangladesh will be eager to avenge their 2024 semifinal loss to the same opponents.
The match will be played in pleasant November weather conditions. Hong Kong is experiencing warm temperatures of around 25°C (77°F) today, with clear skies and low humidity. These comfortable conditions are perfect for cricket, making it ideal for the fast-paced six-over format.Confirmed Playing XIs
Bangladesh Squad
Captain: Akbar Ali
According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board announcement, the full squad includes:
- Akbar Ali (c)
- Jishan Alam
- Mohammad Saifuddin
- Mosaddek Hossain Saikat
- Rakibul Hasan
- Tofael Ahmed Rayhan
Note: The confirmed 6-player lineup for this specific match has not been announced. The above players are the full tournament squad.
Source: Bangladesh Cricket Board press release via The Tribune and Inside Sport India
Sri Lanka Squad
Captain: Lahiru Madushanka
The defending champions’ full squad includes:
- Lahiru Madushanka (c)
- Dhananjaya Lakshan
- Thanuka Dabare
- Nimesh Vimukthi
- Lahiru Samarakoon
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Sachitha Jayatilaka
Note: The confirmed 6-player lineup for this specific match has not been announced. The above players are the full tournament squad.
Source: Sri Lanka Cricket announcement via The Tribune and Big News Network
Pitch and Weather Report
Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: Around 25°C (77°F) – the warmest day of November
- Sky: Clear and sunny
- Humidity: Low (around 63-67%)
- Wind: Breezy conditions, average 22 km/h
- Rain Chance: Very low
Pitch Analysis: The Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Mong Kok typically offers a good batting surface for the Hong Kong Sixes format. With six overs per side and the requirement for aggressive play, expect high scores and plenty of boundaries. The dry November weather means the pitch will likely be firm and true, favoring stroke-makers. Teams batting first often post big totals in this format.
Players to Watch
| Role | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Batter | Jishan Alam – The 20-year-old was Bangladesh’s star in 2024, scoring 152 runs at an average of 76 in four matches. His aggressive style suits the six-over format perfectly. | Thanuka Dabare – The right-handed opener brings solid domestic credentials and can provide quick starts at the top of the order. |
| Batter | Akbar Ali – The captain and U19 World Cup winner brings calm leadership and smart batting. His experience in pressure situations will be crucial. | Dhananjaya Lakshan – The left-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler adds balance with both bat and ball. |
| Bowler | Mohammad Saifuddin – With 91 international wickets across formats, the experienced pacer knows how to bowl in pressure moments. He took 3 wickets in 4 games last year. | Tharindu Rathnayake – The ambidextrous spinner made headlines by taking 6 wickets on his Test debut against Bangladesh in June 2025. His unique bowling style could be a game-changer. |
| Bowler | Abu Hider Rony – The 29-year-old bowling all-rounder returns after playing in 2024. His experience in Hong Kong conditions will be valuable. | Lahiru Madushanka – The captain is a right-handed batting all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball when needed. |
What to Expect
This match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly-matched Asian sides. Sri Lanka enters as defending champions and will be confident after their 2024 triumph. However, Bangladesh reached the semifinals last year and will be motivated to go further this time.
The six-over format rewards aggressive cricket. Expect big hitting, quick runs, and exciting bowling variations. Both teams have experienced international players mixed with young talent, creating an interesting dynamic.
Bangladesh’s biggest weapon is Jishan Alam, who was outstanding in 2024. If he fires, Bangladesh can post a big total. Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their balanced attack, with players like Tharindu Rathnayake offering something different.
In this format, momentum is everything. The team that starts well – whether batting or bowling first – often wins. With both teams having recent history against each other (Sri Lanka eliminated Bangladesh in the 2024 semifinals), there’s added spice to this encounter.
Match Prediction
Likely Winner: Sri Lanka
While Bangladesh have the firepower to win, Sri Lanka’s status as defending champions gives them a slight edge. They know what it takes to win this tournament and have experience handling pressure situations. Their balanced squad with both experienced campaigners and exciting young talents makes them favorites.
However, don’t count out Bangladesh. With Akbar Ali’s smart captaincy and Jishan Alam’s explosive batting, they can upset the champions on their day. In the six-over format, any team can win if they get off to a flying start.
Key Factor: The toss could be crucial. Teams batting first in this format often have an advantage as they can set a target and put pressure on the opposition.
Expected Score Range: 60-80 runs per innings (depending on how well teams adapt to the quick format)