Sri Lanka squad departs in search of Hong Kong Sixes crown
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
We can do something good at the tournament – Sangeeth Cooray
Sri Lanka captain Sangeeth Cooray is confident that a balanced Sri Lankan side – with good opening batters, a strong middle order and a skilful bowling attack – will take part in this year's Hong Kong Sixes cricket tournament. He said that if this young side can manage its resources properly, it will be able to produce a good performance in the tournament.
The Sri Lanka six-a-side cricket team left for Hong Kong yesterday (the 27th) to take part in the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes cricket tournament, which will be held in Hong Kong from October 30 to November 1.
The team departed for the tournament following multi-religious observances held at Sri Lanka Cricket, and speaking to the media beforehand, captain Sangeeth Cooray expressed confidence in his team's preparations.
"We really did put in the work at practice. We trained well as a team. We have a young side. I think we can do something good at the tournament.
"We really do have a balanced team. We have good opening batters, a good middle order as well as a good bowling attack. I think that if we can use those players in the right positions, we will be able to do something good at the tournament."
Sangeeth Cooray said that, according to information received before the tournament, the pitches at the ground in Hong Kong where the matches will be played are in good condition, and since a new ball is used in every match, they had trained in a manner suited to that.
"Going by the information we received from there, the wicket is good. A new ball is used in every match. So we carried out our practice sessions to suit those conditions."
The Sri Lanka squad for this year's tournament, under the captaincy of Sangeeth Cooray, includes Sachitha Jayathilake, Ravindu Fernando, Vishen Halambage, Mudith Lakshan, Movin Subasinghe and Chamindu Wijesinghe. In addition to the captaincy, the wicketkeeping duties have also been entrusted to Sangeeth Cooray, while Mr Samantha Dodanwela serves as team manager.
The Hong Kong Sixes, regarded as one of the fastest and most attractive formats in international cricket, is set to be held this year with the participation of 12 countries. All matches of the tournament, which begins on October 30, will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Ground in Hong Kong.
Sri Lanka will compete in Group 'B' alongside Bangladesh and Scotland in this year's tournament. The match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is scheduled for October 30, while the match against Scotland will be played on October 31.
Although the Sri Lanka team, which won the Hong Kong Sixes title in 2024, were unable to defend that crown in 2025, they did manage to win the 'Bowl' title. Sri Lanka, who took part in the last tournament under the captaincy of Lahiru Madushanka, had to enter the 'Bowl' round after losing to Hong Kong and Bangladesh in the group stage.
But the Sri Lankan players rose to the occasion in that round, beating Nepal by three wickets, the United Arab Emirates by 39 runs and India by 48 runs to qualify for the final. Sri Lanka recorded a 21-run win in the final against the United Arab Emirates to claim that 'Bowl' title.
Sri Lanka six-a-side squad: Sangeeth Cooray (captain/wicketkeeper), Sachitha Jayathilake, Ravindu Fernando, Vishen Halambage, Mudith Lakshan, Movin Subasinghe, Chamindu Wijesinghe. – Team manager: Mr Samantha Dodanwela.
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting