Sri Lanka's probable lineup for the Asia Cup: Addressing the quandary at position number four, and the possible reinstatement of Hasaranga?
Sri Lanka has announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, with captain Charith Asalanka leading the charge. The tournament, scheduled to take place in September, sees Sri Lanka placed in a challenging Group B alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
A Mixed Bag of Returns for Sri Lanka's T20I Players
Kusal Mendis has featured in all of Sri Lanka's T20Is this year but his returns have been hit-and-miss since the start of Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand last December. Kusal Perera, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer, striking at upwards of 140 and averaging 26 going back to the home series against West Indies last October.
Pathum Nissanka, who has played all six of Sri Lanka's T20Is in 2025, has averaged almost 36 while striking at 140 over the last 24 months. However, Maheesh Theekshana, the only player to play all of Sri Lanka's T20Is in 2025, has recently struggled with form.
Injury Concerns and Potential Debuts
Matheesha Pathirana could be doubtful for the playing XI due to injury trouble, but has made the Asia Cup squad, suggesting he may be brought back into the fold. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, a 23-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder, could potentially be selected for the home T20 World Cup early next year.
The Predicted Playing XI for the Asia Cup
The predicted playing XI for the 2025 Asia Cup includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, and Matheesha Pathirana.
However, Wanindu Hasaranga has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to recover for the Asia Cup, but may be replaced by Dunith Wellalage if he does not. Binura Fernando could potentially replace Matheesha Pathirana in the playing XI.
The No.4 Spot and the Second T20I Disaster
The No.4 spot has been problematic for Sri Lanka, with Kamindu Mendis given a run of nine games there but being dropped as they entered the new year. Nuwanidu Fernando is most likely to bat at the No.4 spot after making seven and one in the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe.
The second T20I on September 6 saw Sri Lanka sink to a new low as they were bowled out for 80. Despite this setback, Sri Lanka will be hoping to turn things around in the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka's Asia Cup Squad
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kusal Perera
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kamil Mishara
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Binura Fernando
- Matheesha Pathirana
It's important to note that only the 15 players officially named in the Asia Cup 2025 squad—including captain Charith Asalanka, 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, and Matheesha Pathirana—are eligible to play for Sri Lanka in this tournament; no other players outside this squad may participate without a formal squad change.
As the Asia Cup approaches, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting Sri Lanka's performances. With a strong squad and a challenging group, it promises to be an exciting tournament.
Read also:
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
