Sri Lanka announces strong 16-man squad for Asia Cup 2025

On Thursday, August 28, Sri Lankan Cricket has announced the 16-man Sri Lankan squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 campaign, which is scheduled to start on Tuesday, September 9, in the United Arab Emirates.

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Spin bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been declared fit after injuring his hamstring during Sri Lanka’s previous series against Bangladesh and has been ruled out of the T20I series against Zimbabwe. However, he is expected to be fit for the Asia Cup.

Notably, Hasaranga has replaced Dushan Hemantha in the squad that was announced for the Zimbabwe T20I series, while uncapped batter Vishen Halambage has been left out of the squad for the eight-team showpiece event.

It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka has made a total of four changes from the one that lost to Bangladesh at home. Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Eshan Malinga have been axed, while Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, and Dushmantha Chameera have been included.

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Among the other seam options is Chamika Karunaratne, who is making a comeback into the limited-overs teams. Dasun Shanaka has been picked again as a seam-bowling allrounder as well. Angelo Mathews' absence suggests the selectors are unlikely to look to him for the T20 World Cup next year. He had retired from Tests earlier in the year, but remained available for white-ball cricket.

Moving into the pace bowling options, Chamika Karunaratne has made a comeback into the limited-overs teams, while Dasun Shanaka continues to be the seam bowling all-rounder. However, Angelo Matthews, who retired from Tests earlier this year, hasn’t been picked.

With Hasaranga’s inclusion, Sri Lanka has three exceptional spin bowling options, namely, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Hasaranga himself.

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Sri Lanka’s first game is scheduled on Saturday, September 13, against Bangladesh. Notably, India are the defending champions and record eight-time winners of the competition.

Sri Lanka T20I 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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