Tournament: Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Pool: Pool D
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 8:55 AM GMT / 4:55 PM Local Time
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Format: Six-a-side, 6 overs per innings
Toss: Not yet known
Weather Conditions
The weather in Hong Kong on November 7 looks excellent for cricket. Temperatures will reach around 25°C (77°F), making it one of the warmest days of the month. There’s very little chance of rain, as November in Hong Kong typically sees dry conditions with only about 4 rainy days throughout the month. Players can expect pleasant conditions with moderate humidity and light winds from the east.
Expected Playing XIs
Hong Kong (Likely XI)
Source: Inside Sport India squad list
- Yasim Murtaza (c)
- Babar Hayat (wk)
- Nizakat Khan
- Anshuman Rath
- Aizaz Khan
- Ehsan Khan
- Nasrulla Rana
Note: The exact playing XI has not been officially confirmed. The lineup above is based on the 7-player squad announced for the tournament.
Sri Lanka (Likely XI)
Source: Sri Lanka Cricket official announcement
- Lahiru Madushanka (c)
- Dhananjaya Lakshan
- Thanuka Dabare
- Nimesh Vimukthi
- Lahiru Samarakoon
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Sachitha Jayatilaka
Note: Sri Lanka announced an 8-member squad. The playing XI shown above represents the likely seven players.
Players to Watch
| Team | Player | Role | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Babar Hayat | Batter | Experienced campaigner with over 2,800 runs in T20 cricket. Known for his power-hitting ability and can change games quickly in the six-over format. |
| Hong Kong | Nizakat Khan | Allrounder | A veteran with 144 matches under his belt and Hong Kong’s top scorer with 2,800+ runs. His experience will be crucial against the defending champions. |
| Sri Lanka | Lahiru Madushanka | Captain/Allrounder | Right-handed batting all-rounder who will lead from the front. His domestic cricket performances have been impressive. |
| Sri Lanka | Tharindu Rathnayake | Bowling Allrounder | Made his Test debut in June 2025 and took 6 wickets in his first Test match. An ambidextrous spinner who can bowl with both hands, adding variety to Sri Lanka’s attack. |
What to Expect
This Pool D encounter promises exciting cricket as hosts Hong Kong face defending champions Sri Lanka. The six-over format means every ball counts, and both teams will look to come out swinging from the first delivery.
Sri Lanka enters as clear favorites after winning the 2024 Hong Kong Sixes title by defeating Pakistan in the final. Their squad features a good mix of domestic stars and players with international experience. Tharindu Rathnayake’s recent Test debut success shows they have players in form.
Hong Kong will rely on home support and experienced players like Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan. Both batters have extensive T20 experience and know how to score quickly. Captain Yasim Murtaza will need to lead by example and get his team off to a strong start in the tournament.
The format suits aggressive players who can hit boundaries from ball one. Expect plenty of sixes, tight bowling, and athletic fielding. With only six overs per side, one good partnership or a couple of quick wickets can completely change the game.
Prediction: Sri Lanka’s experience as defending champions gives them the edge, but Hong Kong’s home advantage and power hitters make them dangerous opponents. This should be a close, entertaining match with Sri Lanka likely to edge it in the end.
Tournament Context
Both teams are in Pool D along with Bangladesh. The top two teams from this pool will advance to the Cup quarterfinals, while the third-placed team enters the Bowl League. This makes the opening match crucial for both sides to gain momentum.
Sri Lanka aims to become the first team to defend their Hong Kong Sixes title. Hong Kong wants to make their home crowd proud and prove they can compete with the best teams in the six-a-side format.