Sri Lanka Asia Cup Squad 2025: Strong Challenge for Bangladesh

Sri Lanka Asia Cup Squad 2025 announced with Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka leading. Bangladesh faces a tough challenge in Group B matches.

Sri Lanka has announced a formidable squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, led by their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The leg-spinner missed last month’s T20 series against Bangladesh due to injury, but he is now included in the Asia Cup squad, provided he is fully fit. Sri Lanka is giving him adequate recovery time, so he will not participate in the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe next week.

Charith Asalanka to Lead the Lankan Side

Charith Asalanka will captain the team in the Asia Cup, and Sri Lanka will open their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13 in Abu Dhabi. Facing the Lankans has always been a thrilling contest, and this year promises the same intensity. While Bangladesh won the last T20 series against Sri Lanka on home soil, they have struggled in recent Asia Cups, failing to gain an advantage against the Sri Lankans. Notably, in the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka despite Mushfiqur Rahim’s century and Tamim Iqbal’s courageous performance with a fractured finger.

Sri Lanka’s second group match is scheduled against Hong Kong on September 15 in Dubai, followed by their final Group B match against Afghanistan on September 18 in Abu Dhabi.

Key Squad Changes Since the Bangladesh Series

Sri Lanka made several changes to the squad since the T20 series against Bangladesh in July. Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Ishan Malinga have been left out. Returning players include Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, and Dushmantha Chameera, strengthening the squad’s balance of experience and youth.

Complete Sri Lanka Asia Cup Squad

• Charith Asalanka (Captain)
• Pathum Nissanka
• Kusal Mendis
• Kusal Perera
• Nuwanidu Fernando
• Kamindu Mendis
• Kamil Mishara
• Dasun Shanaka
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Dunith Wellalage
• Chamika Karunaratne
• Mahesh Tikshana
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Binura Fernando
• Nuwan Tushara
• Matheesha Patirana

What This Means for Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces a tough challenge in the Asia Cup with a Sri Lankan team that blends experienced match-winners with promising young talent. To succeed, Bangladesh will need strategic planning, strong batting performances, and disciplined bowling, especially against key players like Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne. The Abu Dhabi pitch and weather conditions could also play a critical role in determining match outcomes.