Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka were stretched into a decider by a spirited Zimbabwe side. On Monday, they nearly stumbled against Asia Cup 's lowest-ranked team, Hong Kong , but eventually pulled through, courtesy Pathum Nissanka 's 68 in their chase of 150.

What ought to have been a cruise - Sri Lanka needed 32 off 30 with eight wickets in hand - turned into a mini-collapse. Nissanka was run-out at the start of the 16th over while chancing a second that didn't seem on, and Kusal Perera fell off the very next delivery when he was lbw attempting a slog sweep.

Six balls later, it was the captain's turn to be dismissed as Charith Asalanka sliced a fullish delivery to short third. And when Kamindu Mendis slogged one straight to deep midwicket, attempting a release shot, Sri Lanka had l

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