Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka announce 16-member squad; Charith Asalanka to lead in UAE | Cricket News
Sri Lanka on Thursday confirmed their 16-player squad for the T20 Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates. The side will be led by left-handed batter Charith Asalanka, with experienced names such as Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Dasun Shanaka providing depth in the batting unit. Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has also been included alongside young pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Hasaranga’s fitness has been a talking point in recent weeks. The 28-year-old injured his hamstring during a T20I against Bangladesh in July and was notably absent from Sri Lanka’s squads for both ODIs and T20Is against Zimbabwe. His selection for the Asia Cup suggests the management is confident of his recovery ahead of the tournament.Sri Lanka’s first game of the Asia Cup is on on September 13 against Bangladesh. The squad also features spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, who were relied upon during Hasaranga’s absence, while Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera add pace-bowling experience. Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2025: 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.
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Do you think Sri Lanka has a strong chance of winning the T20 Asia Cup 2025?
Sri Lanka enter the Asia Cup having lost the previous edition’s final to India. With their mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent aiming to deliver once again on the continental stage, they will look to go deep in the tournament once again.
