Match: Bowl Match 4, Hong Kong International Sixes 2025
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 11:40 AM Local (3:40 AM GMT)
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Format: Six-a-side, 6 overs per innings
Toss: Not yet conducted
Tournament Context
Both Sri Lanka and UAE are competing in the Bowl stage of the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. The tournament features 12 teams divided into four pools, with the third-placed teams from each group entering the Bowl competition. In the six-a-side format, games are played between two teams of six players with six overs of six balls each.
Rain affected some matches on November 7, with no play possible in certain games. November weather in Hong Kong brings light to moderate rainfall, with approximately 13 rainy days and 44.8 mm of precipitation expected during the month.
Confirmed Squads
Sri Lanka Squad
Source: Sri Lanka Cricket official announcement
Sri Lanka’s squad for Hong Kong Sixes includes: Lahiru Madushanka (Captain), Dhananjaya Lakshan, Thanuka Dabare, Nimesh Vimukthi, Lahiru Samarakoon, Tharindu Rathnayaka, and Sachitha Jayatilake.
United Arab Emirates Squad
Source: Multiple tournament sources
UAE’s squad features: Kaushik Harshit (Captain), Khalid Shah, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Saghir Khan, Nilansh Keswani, Rejith Kurungode, and Zahid Ali.
Likely Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (Likely XI):
- Thanuka Dabare
- Lahiru Madushanka
- Dhananjaya Lakshan
- Sachitha Jayatilake
- Lahiru Samarakoon
- Tharindu Rathnayake
United Arab Emirates (Likely XI):
- Khalid Shah
- Ansh Tandon
- Muhammad Arfan
- Muhammad Farooq
- Nilansh Keswani
- Zahid Ali
Note: Final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss. The lineups above are based on squad information and typical six-a-side team composition.
Players to Watch
| Role | Player | Team | Key Stats/Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Thanuka Dabare | Sri Lanka | Aggressive opening batter who scored 68 runs at 242.85 strike rate in earlier Hong Kong Sixes matches |
| Batter | Khalid Shah | UAE | Captain and wicketkeeper who provides stability at the top |
| Allrounder | Lahiru Madushanka | Sri Lanka | Team captain with valuable all-round skills in the short format |
| Allrounder | Muhammad Farooq | UAE | Key player who can contribute with both bat and ball |
| Bowler | Tharindu Rathnayake | Sri Lanka | Bowling allrounder who will be crucial in the 6-over format |
| Bowler | Muhammad Arfan | UAE | Specialist bowler who can create pressure in short bursts |
Venue & Pitch Conditions
The match takes place at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Mong Kok. Current temperatures in Hong Kong are around 23°C with 75% humidity. November 8 is expected to be one of the warmest days of the month, with temperatures climbing to around 25°C.
The pitch at Mong Kok typically favors batters in the six-a-side format, where aggressive batting and power-hitting are rewarded. With only 6 overs per innings, expect high scoring if weather conditions remain clear.
What to Expect
This Bowl stage match will be crucial for both teams looking to finish the tournament on a positive note. The six-a-side format guarantees fast-paced action with every ball potentially changing the game.
Key factors:
- Weather: Rain could play a role, as it affected matches on November 7
- Format advantage: Teams with power-hitters will dominate
- Experience: Sri Lanka are defending champions, having won the 2024 edition
- Momentum: Both teams will be eager to prove themselves after missing the Cup quarter-finals
Prediction: Sri Lanka should have the edge given their recent success in this format and experience at this tournament. Their batting depth with Dabare and Lakshan, combined with Madushanka’s leadership, makes them favorites. However, the six-over format means any team can win on the day.
Expected Score: First innings around 60-75 runs
Where to Watch
Matches will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India, with online streaming available via SonyLIV and FanCode mobile/web apps.
Final Verdict: Sri Lanka’s championship pedigree and balanced squad give them a 60-40 advantage, but don’t count out UAE in this explosive format where anything can happen in just 36 balls!