Sri Lanka, the defending champions from the 2022 edition, are heading into the Asia Cup 2025 with renewed hunger and a squad that blends experience with emerging talent. With several names in good form and a few returning from injuries, Sri Lanka look determined to defend their crown under pressure.
While the official squad is yet to be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the picture is becoming clearer based on recent international performances and selection trends. The following is a likely squad, crafted from Sri Lanka’s most consistent and in-form names.
Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025 (Expected)
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis (C) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter |
| Charith Asalanka | Middle-order Batter |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder (Spin) |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | Batting All-Rounder |
| Dasun Shanaka | All-Rounder |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spin Bowler |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| Kasun Rajitha | Fast Bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler |
| Angelo Mathews | All-Rounder |
| Bhanuka Rajapaksa | Power-hitter Batter |
| Dunith Wellalage | Left-arm Spinner |
Note: Official squad will be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket closer to the tournament. This is an expected squad based on recent series and player form.
Key Players to Watch
- Kusal Mendis: The newly appointed captain and a vital top-order player.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s go-to match-winner with the ball and a handy batter.
- Matheesha Pathirana: The ‘Baby Malinga’ who brings raw pace and yorkers.
- Charith Asalanka: Reliable middle-order anchor with finishing ability.
Predicted Playing XI for Sri Lanka
Based on current form and combinations suited to UAE conditions, here is Sri Lanka’s most likely playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (C & WK)
- Charith Asalanka
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dilshan Madushanka / Dushmantha Chameera
Sri Lanka’s Group‑Stage Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| September 13 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | UAE |
| September 14 | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong | UAE |
| September 17 | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | UAE |
Squad Analysis: Balance of Youth and Experience
One of the key talking points of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is the balance between experience and youth. Veterans like Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva offer valuable match awareness and calmness in pressure situations. At the same time, rising stars like Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage bring fresh energy and modern T20 flair to the side.
Captain Kusal Mendis, now more mature as a leader, will rely heavily on players like Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga to keep the core strong. The presence of multiple all-rounders gives Sri Lanka the depth they need to remain flexible with team combinations depending on pitch conditions in the UAE.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Spin Attack: With Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Wellalage, Sri Lanka has one of the most versatile spin departments in Asia.
- Middle-order Stability: Players like Asalanka and Samarawickrama bring consistency and maturity to the middle overs.
- Finishing Firepower: Rajapaksa and Shanaka can provide explosive finishes, turning close games in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Weaknesses:
- Death Bowling Concerns: Although Pathirana is improving, death bowling under pressure still poses a challenge.
- Top-order Reliability: Nissanka and Mendis will need to be more consistent to avoid putting pressure on the middle order.
- Fitness & Injuries: Sri Lanka has had issues with player fitness in recent tournaments, especially among pacers.
Recent Form and Build-Up to the Asia Cup 2025
Leading up to the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka participated in multiple bilateral T20I series, including a competitive tour against Pakistan and a home series versus West Indies. While the results were mixed, several individual performances stood out — particularly Hasaranga’s consistency and Pathirana’s raw pace.
Sri Lanka’s recent emphasis on fielding and fitness, as observed in their training camps, also signals a more professional approach to tournament preparation. Their performance in the last two ICC events has shown that they are no longer the unpredictable team of the past — but a more calculated, tactical unit.
Can Sri Lanka Defend the Title?
Sri Lanka surprised many in 2022 with their fearless cricket and remarkable turnaround story. Heading into Asia Cup 2025, they will no longer be the underdogs. This time, they carry the pressure of defending champions.
But with a squad rich in T20 experience, strategic leadership, and players capable of producing match-winning moments, Sri Lanka is more than capable of lifting the trophy once again. The real question isn’t “Can they defend it?” — but rather “Who can stop them?”
