Defending champions Sri Lanka have revealed their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, with Charith Asalanka entrusted with the captaincy. The selection reflects a calculated blend of youth and experience as the Islanders prepare to defend their continental crown in the UAE.
Wanindu Hasaranga Makes Comeback
One of the biggest talking points is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed the recent Zimbabwe series due to fitness concerns. His inclusion bolsters Sri Lanka’s middle-order firepower while providing a world-class spin option.
Hasaranga replaces Dushan Hemantha, who featured in the Zimbabwe series. Meanwhile, young batter Vishen Halambage, who was part of that squad, has been omitted. The rest of the squad remains unchanged, signaling stability in selection as Sri Lanka aim for consistency ahead of the high-pressure tournament.
Recent Series in Zimbabwe: Final Preparations
Before heading to the UAE, Sri Lanka are completing a three-match T20I and two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare, which concludes on September 7. This series has served as an important warm-up for the Asia Cup, giving the coaching staff a chance to test combinations and evaluate emerging talent.
The Asia Cup begins just two days later, on September 9, with the opening clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. For Sri Lanka, their campaign kicks off on September 13 against Bangladesh—a fixture that has often been fiercely contested in recent editions of the tournament.
Read More: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Head-to-Head, Squads, Stats, and Match Preview
Group Stage Fixtures for Sri Lanka
The Islanders will face three group-stage matches before potentially progressing to the Super Four stage:
- September 13 – vs Bangladesh
- September 15 – vs Hong Kong
- September 18 – vs Afghanistan
The Afghanistan fixture in particular promises to be a thriller, given how closely matched the two sides have been in recent years.
Full Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Here’s the official Sri Lanka 16-man squad for the tournament:
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kamil Mishara
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Binura Fernando
- Nuwan Thushara
- Matheesha Pathirana
Key Players to Watch
- Charith Asalanka: Taking over the leadership role, Asalanka will be tested in both captaincy and batting under pressure situations.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: His all-round skills—explosive batting and wicket-taking leg spin—make him the most valuable player in this lineup.
- Maheesh Theekshana: With UAE pitches offering grip, Theekshana’s mystery spin could be a game-changer.
- Pathum Nissanka: The stylish opener will be crucial in providing strong starts against world-class bowling attacks.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Dubbed “Baby Malinga,” his pace and yorkers add a lethal death-bowling option.
Defending Champions Eye Back-to-Back Glory
Sri Lanka’s dramatic victory in the 2022 Asia Cup (T20 format) and their consistent performances in multi-nation tournaments make them strong contenders once again. Despite not being favorites compared to heavyweights India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka have a history of rising in clutch moments.
Their squad depth, variety in bowling, and mix of seasoned campaigners with new faces provide balance. The return of Hasaranga only boosts their chances of going deep into the tournament.
Challenges Ahead
While the squad looks promising, Sri Lanka will face tough battles:
- India and Pakistan’s dominance in recent T20 internationals poses a significant challenge.
- Consistency issues Sri Lanka often blow hot and cold in tournaments, something they’ll need to overcome.
- Fitness concerns remain, particularly for players like Hasaranga and Chameera, who have struggled with injuries.
Asia Cup 2025: Bigger Picture
The Asia Cup is not just about regional supremacy. With the ICC T20 World Cup around the corner, teams are treating it as the ultimate preparation ground. For Sri Lanka, performing well here is not only about defending their title but also about fine-tuning combinations ahead of global challenges.
Moreover, the Asia Cup in the UAE guarantees high-pressure conditions with packed stadiums and intense rivalries. Matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in particular have become marquee contests, often delivering nail-biting finishes.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 looks well-rounded, led by a fresh skipper in Charith Asalanka and boosted by the return of Wanindu Hasaranga. The defending champions have both the experience and young energy to mount a serious challenge.
With Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong awaiting in the group stage, the Islanders’ campaign will be tested early. If they manage to click as a unit, Sri Lanka could well script another fairytale run in the tournament.
