Asia Cup 2025: Hasaranga Returns As Sri Lanka Announce Asalanka-Led 16-Member Squad

Asia Cup 2025: Hasaranga Returns As Sri Lanka Announce Asalanka-Led 16-Member Squad

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Last Updated: August 28, 2025, 21:37 IST

Sri Lanka Cricket names Charith Asalanka captain for Asia Cup 2025 in UAE, with Wanindu Hasaranga returning. Matches set against Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

Wanindu Hasaranga celebrates after taking wicket. (Picture Credit: AP)

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), on Thursday, announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will get underway on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka is placed in Group B, along with Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh. While Group A has Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan and India.

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Charith Asalanka will lead the team as captain, and the squad includes Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana.

Hasaranga returns with the star all-rounder, having missed the T20I series against Bangladesh at home in July due to a hamstring injury and was also excluded from the 17-member squad for the Zimbabwe tour.

The batting lineup features well-known players, with Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Perera expected to secure the top order. The middle order will heavily rely on captain Asalanka, supported by all-rounders Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage. Rising pacer Matheesha Pathirana, along with a mix of spin and seam options, bolsters the bowling attack.

Sri Lanka, the defending champions of the T20 Asia Cup after their victory in 2022, will commence their campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. Following that, they will play against Hong Kong on September 15 in Dubai and conclude the group stage against Afghanistan on September 18 in Abu Dhabi.

The island nation is the second most successful team in the Asia Cup, having won the tournament six times, with their most recent victory in 2022, behind India with eight titles.

What Is Sri Lanka’s Schedule For Asia Cup?

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September 13, 2025 – vs Bangladesh – Abu Dhabi September 15, 2025 – vs Hong Kong – Dubai September 18, 2025 – vs Afghanistan – Abu Dhabi

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.

About the Author Ritayan Basu Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin... Read More Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin... Read More

Location : Colombo, Sri Lanka

First Published: August 28, 2025, 19:56 IST

News cricket Asia Cup 2025: Hasaranga Returns As Sri Lanka Announce Asalanka-Led 16-Member Squad

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