Sri lanka Squad; Hasaranga’s Comeback Looms
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its squads for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025, with Charith Asalanka confirmed as the captain for both crucial assignments. The biggest headline is the provisional return of star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been named in the 16-man Asia Cup squad, though his final participation hinges on clearing a fitness test.
Hasaranga has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in July, which forced him to miss the T20I series against Bangladesh and the entirety of the preceding Zimbabwe tour. His potential return is a massive boost for a Sri Lankan side looking to make a strong impact in the continental championship.
.jpeg)
Sri Lanka Squad Dynamics: New Faces and Notable Omissions
The selectors have opted for a mix of youth and experience, making some significant changes from the team that recently faced Bangladesh. Veteran campaigners Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando, along with spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, have been left out of the Asia Cup squad.
Their absence paves the way for the inclusion of Kamil Mishara and Kamindu Mendis, who have been drafted into both the T20I squad for Zimbabwe and the Asia Cup team.
For the three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka will also feature youngsters Vishen Halambage and Dushan Hemantha, who will then make way for the returning Hasaranga in the Asia Cup core squad. The team’s batting foundation will be built around the reliable trio of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera. The pace battery, led by the experienced Dushmantha Chameera, includes the exciting talents of Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara.
A Packed Itinerary
Sri Lanka’s busy schedule kicks off in Zimbabwe with two ODIs on August 29 and 31, followed by a three-match T20I series starting September 3.
Shortly after, the team will fly to the UAE for the Asia Cup. Placed in Group B, their campaign will start on September 13 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. They will then move to Dubai to play Afghanistan on September 16 before returning to Abu Dhabi for their final group fixture against Hong Kong on September 18.
Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025 Squad:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness), Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad for Zimbabwe Tour:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.