ASIA CUP 2025: SRI LANKA WILL WANT THEIR CRUX PERSONNEL TO FIRE

The bowling unit of Sri Lanka has the desired balance on offer. The spin department, in particular, is a notable aspect. Hasaranga will lead the unit. He owns...

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The last time the Asia Cup was held in the T20I format, Sri Lanka won the tournament, defeating Pakistan in the final. The tournament was played in the UAE back in 2022. Thereafter, India won the tournament in 2023 (ODI format). Now with the 2025 Asia Cup being a T20I event once again, Sri Lanka come in as the defending champions. The Asia Cup 2025 will start from September 9 onwards. The final will be played on September 28. The UAE will host the coveted tournament, which is in the T20I format. This is the 17th edition of the Asia Cup and only the third time it’s being played in the T20I format. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in the picture, this event will be a crucial one for Asia’s top teams. A total of eight teams are divided into two groups, with Sri Lanka placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. The top 2 teams will reach the Super 4. The Lankans will have their task cut out as they will be challenged by both Bangladesh and Afghanistan. However, one shouldn't take this Lankan side lightly.

The Sri Lankan team is currently set for a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. This will be a good exercise for them to sharpen the tools and work on a few gaps. They won the just-concluded ODI series 2-0. Sri Lanka, under Charith Asalanka, have an experienced squad on offer. The return of Waning Hasaranga is a bonus. The Lankan side has a good blend across each department, and that’s something they will count upon.

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, we decode the strengths, weaknesses and analysis of the Sri Lankan side.

SRI LANKA'S SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP: