Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been deemed fit and added to Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad for the 2025 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, giving the team a significant boost. During the ODI series against Bangladesh in July, the leg-spinning all-rounder, who has been among Sri Lanka’s top white-ball cricket players in recent years, had a hamstring injury that kept him out of action.
The selectors had to rearrange their alternatives to fill Wanindu Hasaranga spot because he missed both the T20I series against Bangladesh and the tour that followed in Zimbabwe. In his absence, young players like Vishen Halambage and Dushan Hemantha were given chances, but the management was always eager to include Wanindu Hasaranga in their preparations for 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 Wanindu Hasaranga comeback, selectors have added Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Nuwanidu Fernando to bolster seam-bowling and batting depth.
Charith Asalanka will captain the team once more. The top order is composed of Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka. In the bowling department, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage make up the spin unit, while Dushmantha Chameera spearheads the pace attack with assistance from Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando.
Along with Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong, Sri Lanka is assigned to Group B. On September 13, they play Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi to start their campaign. On September 16, they play Afghanistan in Dubai, and on September 18, they play Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi to finish the group stage. The team will play Zimbabwe in a white-ball tour prior to the event.
Sri Lanka’s 2025 Asia Cup squad
Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Dunith Wellalage
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