Sri Lanka’s spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is set to return in the T20 set-up for the T20 Asia Cup 2025 as the selectors have opted him in the 16-member squad. However, his participation is still unclear due to a pending fitness test. The leg-spinner is off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury when Bangladesh visited Sri Lanka for the three-match ODI series in July, throwing him out of the three-match T20I series. Eventually, he got ruled out of the Zimbabwe tour for the T20I and ODI set up.
Sri Lanka’s Strength in Asia Cup 2025
Hasaranga made waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, featuring in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise, taking 11 wickets in 11 matches with the best bowling figure of 4/35. In international fixtures, he has picked up 131 wickets in 79 matches with an economy rate of 6.98. If he crosses the hurdle of the fitness phase, Hasaranga’s availability will add depth to the bowling attack.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have chosen an experienced team playing under Charith Asalanka. They have reserved the space for Dasun Shanaka who is another all-rounder who brings pace in his bowling. Among top order batters, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera offer stability for high-octane matches. Overall, the squad looks balanced with a mix of emerging and experienced talent.
Sri Lanka are part of Group B for the Asia Cup, featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong. In the opening match, Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on September 13. In subsequent clashes, Sri Lanka will meet Hong Kong and Afghanistan on September 15 and 18 respectively.
Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, Zimbabwe are set to host Sri Lanka for a short white-ball series with two ODIs and three T20Is. All matches will take place at Harare Sports Club, Harare. The first ODI is scheduled for August 29, and this tour will conclude on September 7.
Sri Lanka squad for Zimbabwe T20Is: 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
Sri Lanka 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
