Sri Lanka’s roster for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has received a significant boost as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been pronounced fit and included to the 16-man squad for the event in the UAE. The leg-spinning allrounder, who has been one of Sri Lanka’s top white-ball cricketers in recent years, was sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury during the ODI series against Bangladesh in July.
Wanindu Hasaranga missed the T20I series against Bangladesh as well as the subsequent tour to Zimbabwe, forcing the selectors to shuffle options to cover for his absence.
Youngsters such as Vishen Halambage and Dushan Hemantha were given opportunities in his absence, but the management was always eager to include Hasaranga in their Asia Cup and T20 World Cup preparations.
The Asia Cup team differs significantly from the one that played against Bangladesh earlier this year. Senior players including as Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Eshan Malinga have been excluded, making way for a new group. Along with Hasaranga’s return, the selectors have added Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Chamika Karunaratne to improve both batting depth and seam-bowling options.
Charith Asalanka will once again captain the squad. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera constitute the top order. Dushmantha Chameera leads the pace attack, which is assisted by Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando, while Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage make up the spin unit.
Sri Lanka is placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. They begin their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13 in Abu Dhabi, followed by a clash against Afghanistan on September 16 in Dubai, before concluding the group stage against Hong Kong on September 18 in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the tournament, the team is set to lock horns with Zimbabwe for a white-ball tour.
India
