Wanindu Hasaranga declared fit, set to join Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign

Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 has received a major boost as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been declared fit and included in the 16-member squad for the tournament in the UAE. The leg-spinning allrounder, who has been one of Sri Lanka’s best white-ball cricketers in recent years, was sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during the ODI series against Bangladesh in July.

Hasaranga missed the T20I series against Bangladesh as well as the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe, where the selectors had to shuffle options to cover for his role. Youngsters like Vishen Halambage and Dushan Hemantha were given opportunities in his absence, but the management were always keen to have Hasaranga in their Asia Cup and T20 World Cup plans.

Compared to the squad that played against Bangladesh earlier this year, the Asia Cup lineup has some significant changes. Senior players like Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Eshan Malinga have been left out, making way for a new group. Alongside Hasaranga’s return, selectors have brought in Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Chamika Karunaratne to strengthen both batting depth and seam-bowling options.

The squad will once again be captained by Charith Asalanka. The top order features Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera forming the top order. In the bowling department, Dushmantha Chameera leads the pace attack, supported by Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando, while the spin unit consists of Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage.

Sri Lanka is placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. They begin their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13 in Abu Dhabi, followed by a clash against Afghanistan on September 16 in Dubai, before concluding the group stage against Hong Kong on September 18 in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the tournament, the team is set to lock horns with Zimbabwe for a white-ball tour.

Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2025