Sri Lanka will aim to defend their title when the Asia Cup 2025 kick starts on September 9. The Islanders won the last edition of the Asia Cup T20 in 2022 and will aim to replicate the same. Led by Charith Asalanka, the Islanders have an experienced squad at their disposal. But then challenges are too many for this side, as they aren’t the most consistent side in the tournament anyways.
They might spring a few surprises here and there, but to show that all-round performance throughout the Asia Cup 2025, could be a challenge. But something that really goes in their favour is, they are the second-most successful team, having won 6 titles already. InsideSport takes a look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths & Opportunities
Strong Top batting-order: Just by the looks of it, the Lankans boast of a mighty top-order. There is Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera, who can blow away any bowling line up in the world, maybe India too on their given day. So no real issues there. Both Kusal’s have over 2000 runs in T20Is, while Nissanka is closing on that mark.
All-round ability: The team has some solid all-rounders, who can come in the middle-order and strike it big. Asalanka of course, then Wanindu Hasarranga is floater, Dasun Shanaka, and even Kamindu Mendis.. it looks packed, to be honest.
Decent bowling attack: Some of these players play in the IPL and are consistent performers. Their pace attack would be led by Matheesha Pathirana, the CSK pacers. There is Maheesh Theekshana in the spin department, Dunith Wellalage too, along with Hasaranga. So plenty to choose from.
Weaknesses & Threats
Big-match issues: On an individual level, Sri Lanka has a great squad, but somehow, when the big stage comes, they collectively tend to fail. This is not the team of 90s and 2000s, but a team that crumbles under pressure easily. They don’t even have stars like yesteryears, who are feared by the opponents.
Something lacks: Despite being one of the best teams in the tournament, they seem to not radiate a lot of confidence somehow. And it has nothing to with the squad or the players. Super4 is definitely on the radar, but the final somehow looks out of reach.
Sri Lanka full squad: Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage.
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