Hong Kong beat the much experienced Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the opening match of the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2001 being played at Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong, on Saturday. Stuart Brew won the toss and elected to bat first. Hong Kong got off to an explosive start with 24 runs coming off the first over bowled by Dulip Liyanage; Brew scoring 20 of those runs with the help of three fours and a mighty six. Upashanta too was punished by Hussain Butt, a four through mid-wicket and a huge six over square leg off the first two deliveries.

Upul Chandana gave Sri lanka the much needed break, claiming both the openers. Brew made 25 runs off nine balls, striking four boundaries and a six, before being caught and bowled by Chandna. Butt smacked two massive sixes off Chandna (1-0-13-2) and was bowled off the last ball of the over. Bhatt too made 25 off nine balls with the help of three sixes and a four.

Rahul Sharma made 20 runs (7 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and his wicket was claimed by Jeevantha Kulatunga. Najeeb Amar played an almost perfect knock, 19 off four balls with the help of three mighty sixes. Hong Kong scored 96/3 off their five overs.

Sri Lanka had a stiff target to chase and faltered in the very first over. Kulatunga lasted just three balls and struck a six; he was caught by Sharma off the bowling of Brew. Indika de Saram and skipper Chandika Hathurusingha added 45 runs off exactly three overs.

Indika de Saram scored 25 runs (11 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) and was bowled by Butt. Chandna struck a six and a four to make 12 runs off five balls; Adam Smith cleaned him up. Hathurasinge remained unbeaten on 32 off just 12 balls witht he help of four boundaries and two sixes. Sri Lanka could muster only 77/3 off their five overs.

© Cricinfo