Sri Lanka Team Preview – Asia Cup 2025

Sri Lanka enters the Asia Cup 2025 with renewed hope, eager to prove their mettle once again in a tournament where they have traditionally thrived. Having lifted the trophy six times in the past, the island nation has long been regarded as a resilient force in Asian cricket, capable of punching above their weight against bigger opponents. 

This year’s competition, being held in the United Arab Emirates, will test their adaptability and consistency in conditions that demand both spin mastery and clever batting execution. 

The Sri Lankan squad, led by Charith Asalanka, is a blend of youth and experience, one that carries both promise and uncertainty as they prepare to face Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan in the group stage.

Since their last victory in the Asia Cup 2022, Sri Lanka played a total of 44 T20i games, out of which they just won 19, and lost 24. And in 2025, they played only six games, winning 3 and losing 3. 

Fixtures – Sri Lanka in Group B:

• September 13 – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

• September 15 – Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

• September 18 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan,  Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Squad: 

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

Strengths: 

One of Sri Lanka’s major strengths lies in their all-rounders and spin attack, which are well-suited for the UAE’s slow pitches. Wanindu Hasaranga remains the heartbeat of the team, a world-class spinner who doubles up as a dangerous lower-order hitter. 

Although he has been recovering from a hamstring injury, his inclusion reflects the management’s belief in his game-changing ability. Alongside him, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage add variety and depth, creating a spin trio that can control the middle overs and strangle opposition scoring. 

If the spinners click, Sri Lanka could suffocate batting-heavy teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan, turning the games in their favor.

Weakness:

Despite their strengths, Sri Lanka faces hurdles that cannot be ignored. Injuries to key players have disrupted their rhythm, and middle-order collapses remain a recurring problem. Against disciplined bowling attacks, their batting has often faltered under pressure, leaving the bowlers with too much to defend. 

Additionally, in a group containing Afghanistan, whose spin attack is among the world’s best, Sri Lanka cannot afford even one slip-up if they hope to reach the Super Four stage.

Key players: 

With 198 runs this season, Pathum Nissanka has taken the lead, followed by Kusal Perera (129), and Kusal Mendis (148).

With six wickets, Dushmantha Chameera leads the chart, followed by Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara, who each have five.

Players to watch out for: 

Nissanka
Hasaranga 

Overall, Sri Lanka’s campaign at the Asia Cup 2025 carries both excitement and uncertainty. With a well-rounded squad, they possess the resources to mount a serious challenge, but execution on the field will decide their fate. If Asalanka can inspire consistency, Hasaranga returns to full fitness, and the batting unit finds stability, Sri Lanka could once again emerge as genuine contenders.