On August 28, 2025, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a formidable 16-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team, led by Charith Asalanka, marks the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, whose inclusion has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. With the tournament serving as a critical preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, this squad blends experience, youth, and versatility to defend their 2022 T20 Asia Cup title. This article delves into the squad composition, key players, strategic implications, and Sri Lanka’s prospects in the tournament.
Squad Composition and Key Inclusions
The Sri Lankan squad for Asia Cup 2025 is a well-balanced unit, featuring a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Captain Charith Asalanka, who has grown into a reliable leader, will spearhead a side that includes 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, and Matheesha Pathirana. This lineup reflects SLC’s intent to combine aggressive batting, dynamic all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack tailored for T20 conditions in the UAE.
The return of Wanindu Hasaranga is the headline news. The star leg-spinner and all-rounder missed recent international assignments, including the T20I series against Bangladesh and the ODI tour of Zimbabwe, due to a hamstring injury sustained in July. His inclusion, however, is subject to fitness, as SLC has emphasized that his participation hinges on medical clearance. Hasaranga’s value cannot be overstated—he is a proven match-winner with both bat and ball. At the 2022 T20 World Cup, he showcased his prowess with tight spin bowling and explosive lower-order batting, making him a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s strategy. His ability to turn games in high-pressure situations, particularly on spin-friendly UAE pitches, will be crucial.
Another notable inclusion is Nuwanidu Fernando, who earned his spot through stellar performances in a recent three-team invitational tournament, where he emerged as the highest run-getter. His top-order stability will complement the aggressive stroke play of Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera. Kamil Mishara, another rising star, has also been included after smashing six sixes in the same tournament, signaling Sri Lanka’s intent to adopt a more aggressive batting approach. However, the absence of veterans like Dinesh Chandimal and Jeffrey Vandersay, along with young pacer Eshan Malinga, indicates a strategic shift toward youth and form.
The bowling attack is equally robust, with Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana forming a lethal combination. Pathirana, known for his slingy action and death-over yorkers, has become a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s T20 setup, while Theekshana’s mystery spin will challenge opposition batters on UAE’s slow tracks. The pace department is further strengthened by Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, and Nuwan Thushara, offering variety and depth. All-rounders like Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Kamindu Mendis provide flexibility, enabling Asalanka to adapt to various match situations.
Strategic Implications and Tournament Outlook
Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign kicks off on September 13 against Bangladesh at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, followed by matches against Hong Kong on September 15 and Afghanistan on September 18. Placed in Group B alongside these teams, Sri Lanka are favorites to advance to the Super Four stage, given their historical success in the tournament and the squad’s current form. The Asia Cup, played in T20I format, is a key preparatory event for the 2026 T20 World Cup, and Sri Lanka’s selectors have clearly prioritized players who can perform under pressure and adapt to UAE’s conditions.
The return of Hasaranga, if he is fully fit, significantly boosts Sri Lanka’s chances. His ability to control the middle overs with his leg-spin and contribute quick runs lower down the order makes him a dual threat. However, his fitness remains a concern, as he was excluded from the Zimbabwe series to ensure recovery. Should Hasaranga be unavailable, the spin department will rely heavily on Theekshana and Wellalage, both of whom have shown promise but lack Hasaranga’s experience in crunch moments. The selectors’ decision to omit Jeffrey Vandersay, who often deputizes for Hasaranga, suggests confidence in the current spin trio, but it also raises questions about depth in case of injuries.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup is built for aggression, with Nissanka, Mendis, and Perera forming a dynamic top order capable of taking on any bowling attack. Asalanka, as captain and middle-order anchor, will be pivotal in guiding the team through tricky chases or setting imposing totals. The inclusion of Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage adds all-round depth, allowing Sri Lanka to maintain balance even in high-scoring encounters. The middle order, bolstered by Shanaka’s finishing prowess, ensures firepower in the death overs, a critical factor in T20 cricket.
The UAE’s pitches, known for assisting spinners and becoming slower as matches progress, suit Sri Lanka’s strengths. Theekshana and Hasaranga (if fit) will likely exploit these conditions, while Pathirana and Chameera can capitalize on the bounce available early on. However, Sri Lanka’s recent T20I performances have been inconsistent, with a group-stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup highlighting vulnerabilities. The loss to Bangladesh at home earlier this year exposed weaknesses in handling quality spin and pace under pressure, areas Asalanka will need to address.
Sri Lanka’s historical success in the Asia Cup—six titles, second only to India’s eight—gives them a psychological edge. Their 2022 triumph in the T20 format, defeating Pakistan in the final, showcased their ability to peak at the right time. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on home soil looming, this tournament is a chance to fine-tune strategies, test combinations, and build momentum. The absence of key players from other teams, such as India’s retired T20I stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, could level the playing field, giving Sri Lanka a realistic shot at the title.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their strengths, Sri Lanka face challenges. Hasaranga’s fitness is a gamble, and over-reliance on him could expose vulnerabilities if he underperforms or is sidelined. The team’s recent struggles in global tournaments, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, suggest a need for greater consistency. Group B opponents like Afghanistan, with their own spin-heavy attack led by Rashid Khan, and Bangladesh, who have historically troubled Sri Lanka, will test Asalanka’s tactical acumen. Hong Kong, while less fancied, could spring a surprise in the T20 format’s unpredictable nature.
On the flip side, the Asia Cup offers opportunities for young players like Nuwanidu Fernando and Kamil Mishara to cement their places. Their performances in domestic tournaments indicate readiness for the international stage, and success here could secure their spots for the 2026 World Cup. For Asalanka, this is a chance to establish himself as a long-term captain, building on his experience from leading Sri Lanka in T20Is against Bangladesh earlier this year.
The tournament’s timing, just before the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in November-December 2025, adds further context. SLC’s focus on preparing batting-friendly pitches for the LPL, as part of World Cup preparations, suggests confidence in this squad’s ability to handle high-scoring games. The Asia Cup will serve as a testing ground for these conditions, allowing Sri Lanka to refine their approach to chasing big totals or defending par scores.
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, led by Charith Asalanka and bolstered by Wanindu Hasaranga’s return, is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. With a strong batting lineup, a varied bowling attack, and the advantage of familiar UAE conditions, the team is well-positioned to challenge for the title. However, Hasaranga’s fitness, the need for consistency, and tough group-stage opponents pose challenges. As a crucial stepping stone to the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Asia Cup offers Sri Lanka a chance to showcase their potential and build momentum. Fans will be eager to see if the island nation can reclaim their 2022 glory and add a seventh Asia Cup title to their illustrious history.
