Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been declared fit and included in the 16-man squad of Sri Lanka to play in the 2025 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, which will be a big boost to the team. In the ODI series against Bangladesh in July, the leg-spinning all-rounder, who has been one of the best white-ball cricket performers of Sri Lanka over the last several years was hamstrung and remained inactive.
The selectors were forced to change their options to fill the vacancy of Wanindu Hasaranga since he had missed the T20I series against Bangladesh and the ensuing tour to Zimbabwe. Without him the young players such as Vishen Halambage and Dushan Hemantha were allowed opportunities, although the management continued to keep Hasaranga in their plans to participate in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
There are some notable changes in the Asia Cup lineup from the team that faced Bangladesh earlier this year. A fresh bunch has replaced senior players including Jeffrey Vandersay, Eshan Malinga, Dinesh Chandimal, and Avishka Fernando. In addition to Hasaranga’s comeback, selectors have added Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Nuwanidu Fernando to bolster seam-bowling and batting depth.
Sri Lanka Announces Squad, Eyes Group B Clash in Upcoming T20 Campaign
The team will be led again by Charith Asalanka. The highest order consists of Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. The spin division in the bowling department consists of Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage; the pace attack is led by Dushmantha Chameera with the help of Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando.
Sri Lanka belongs to Group B together with Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. They begin their campaign with Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on September 13. They will play Afghanistan on September 16 in Dubai and on September 18 they will play Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi to complete the group stage. Before the event the group will tour Zimbabwe in a white-ball tour.
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
