Match: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka A – 7th Match, Group A
Tournament: ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025
Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM Local (3:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM GMT)
Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Toss: Not yet announced
Match Situation
Both teams enter this game looking for their first win after opening defeats. Sri Lanka A lost by three wickets to Afghanistan A despite Milan Rathnayake’s quick-fire 41 off 19 balls. Meanwhile, Hong Kong were beaten by Bangladesh A after Habibur Rahman Sohan’s incredible century off just 35 balls.
This match is important for both sides to keep their knockout hopes alive in Group A.
Weather & Pitch Report
Weather Conditions:
Clear weather is expected in Doha with temperatures around 26°C, 57% humidity, and wind speeds of 9.1 km/h. No rain is forecast for the match.
Pitch Report:
The West End Park International Cricket Stadium pitch has flattened out during the tournament, with average first innings scores rising to 170. The surface offers help for both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers have averaged 25.80 with an economy of 8.00, while spinners have averaged 24.33 with an economy of 7.00.
Teams batting first have posted big scores in recent matches at this venue.
Expected Playing XIs
Hong Kong – Likely XI
(Source: Squad list and recent form – Not officially confirmed)
- Ehsan Khan
- Yasim Murtaza (c)
- Nizakat Khan
- Zeeshan Ali (wk)
- Kinchit Shah
- Aizaz Khan
- Anshy Rath
- Babar Hayat
- Mohammad Ghazanfar
- Hassan Khan Mohammad
- Nasrulla Rana
Note: Official playing XI not confirmed. This lineup is based on squad announcements and recent match participation.
Sri Lanka A – Likely XI
(Source: Squad list and recent form – Not officially confirmed)
- Lasith Croospulle
- Nishan Madushka (wk)
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Sahan Arachchige
- Vishen Halambage
- Ahan Wickramasinghe
- Dunith Wellalage (c)
- Ramesh Mendis
- Milan Rathnayake
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
- Pramod Madushan
Note: Official playing XI not confirmed. This lineup is based on squad announcements and recent match participation.
Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Hayat | Hong Kong | Batter | Scored 63 runs with six fours and three sixes against Bangladesh A, showing he’s in good form |
| Milan Rathnayake | Sri Lanka A | Bowler/Allrounder | Hit 41 off just 19 balls in the last match and can impact with both bat and ball |
| Yasim Murtaza | Hong Kong | Allrounder (Captain) | Made 40 runs in 22 balls against Bangladesh A and leads from the front |
| Dunith Wellalage | Sri Lanka A | Bowler (Captain) | The captain and key spinner who can control the middle overs |
| Vijayakanth Viyaskanth | Sri Lanka A | Bowler | Stole the show with the ball in the last match with his leg-spin |
| Vishen Halambage | Sri Lanka A | Batting Allrounder | Made an impressive 28 runs in 13 balls lower down the order |
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
Previous Meeting:
Sri Lanka A beat Hong Kong by 42 runs in their previous meeting, posting 178 and following it with strong bowling.
Recent Form:
- Hong Kong: Lost to Bangladesh A (need to bounce back)
- Sri Lanka A: Lost narrowly to Afghanistan A (showed fighting spirit)
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka A start as favorites based on their stronger squad depth and recent close contest against the tournament champions. Predictions suggest Sri Lanka A could score 165+ batting first, with the pitch offering good batting conditions.
However, Hong Kong have dangerous players like Babar Hayat and Yasim Murtaza who can change the game if they get going. The key battle will be between Hong Kong’s top order and Sri Lanka A’s spin attack.
Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka A
Winning Margin: 15-20 runs or 3-4 wickets
What to Expect
Expect a competitive game with both teams desperate for their first win. The flat pitch should produce good scores, so the team winning the toss might choose to bat first and put pressure on the opposition. Sri Lanka A’s all-round strength should give them the edge, but Hong Kong have shown they can compete if their key players fire.