Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|29-08-2025
Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been rested for in Zimbabwe series due to injury concerns, has found a place in the Sri Lanka Squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
However, his availability for the continental event remains uncertain if he is fit for the group stage or makes himself available for the Super 4s of the tournament.
He will be replacing Dushan Hemantha from the Sri Lanka squad announced for the Zimbabwe series, while uncapped batter Vishen Halambage has been left out in the only other change from that squad.
With Hasaranga’s return it means the squad going to the Asia Cup has four changes from Bangladesh home, with Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay and Eshan Malinga left out.
Batters Nuwanidu Fernando and Kamil Mishara has been included in the squad along with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera.
Among the other seam option is Chamika Karunaratne, who is making a comeback into the limited-over teams.
Dasun Shanaka has been picked again as a seam-bowling all-rounder as well. Angelo Matthews’ absence suggests the selectors are unlikely to look him for the T20 World Cup next year.
He had retired from Test earlier this year, but remained available for white-ball cricket. As left-arm spinner all-rounder Dunith Wellalage is also in the squad, Sri Lanka have three major spin options, Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are the others.
Placed in Group B, Sri Lanka will play their group stage games against Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Afghanistan on September 13, 15 and 18 respectively.
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 Wellage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha pathirana.