Sri Lanka have been dealt a major setback ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, with star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga facing a race against time to regain fitness.
The 28-year-old, who injured his hamstring during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July, has been left out of Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting September 3 in Harare.
Hasaranga’s absence from both the ODI and T20I squads against Zimbabwe raises fresh doubts over his participation in the Asia Cup, scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE. For Sri Lanka, missing their talismanic all-rounder would be a huge blow, given his ability to influence games with both bat and ball.
In Hasaranga’s absence, the responsibility of leading the spin department falls on Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, both of whom have been named in the 17-member T20I squad. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana makes a return to the setup, while Charith Asalanka will continue to captain Sri Lanka across both ODIs and T20Is.
The squad also features seasoned campaigners Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka and others, who will be tasked with carrying the team’s momentum into the Asia Cup despite Hasaranga’s uncertainty.
Sri Lanka begin their Zimbabwe tour with the first ODI on August 29, followed by two more games on August 31 and September 3. The T20I series will run from September 3 to 7 in Harare.
As the countdown to the Asia Cup narrows, all eyes will be on Hasaranga’s recovery — and whether Sri Lanka can count on their match-winner when the continental tournament kicks off.
Sri Lanka T20I squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
