Sri Lanka was the winner of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup during the 2022 season in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when they went through a famous performance in the campaign. They beat Bangladesh in the group stage of the event, besides earning the victory over Afghanistan in the Super Four, along with wins over India and Pakistan.

Sri Lanka, under the captaincy of Charith Asalanka, is coming into the event on the back of their 2-1 series victory against Zimbabwe away from home. They lost the second fixture of the series when they were bundled out for a low score in the first innings of the game, before showing a huge score 24 hours later.

See Also: [WATCH] Shubman Gill reveals dream batting partner and inside details on special birthday video

Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 squad- Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwaindu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

Sri Lanka will start their campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi before locking horns with Hong Kong in Dubai two days later.

Let’s take a look at the top 3 players to watch from Sri Lanka ahead of the Asia Cup 2025

3. Wanindu Hasaranga

The 28-year-old spin all-rounder of Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been a regular member of the shortest format due to his incredible skill of bowling and batting in the lower order. He, however, was absent during the away T20I series against Zimbabwe and last featured in a T20 in June for the Colombo CC side.

Hasaranga has picked up 131 wickets in 77 T20 innings at an average of 15.41, a strike rate of 13.2, and an economy rate of under seven. With the bat, the right-handed batter has smashed 712 runs in 67 T20I innings at a strike rate of around 129.

On the other hand, the veteran has notched up 2402 runs in 174 innings in T20s at an average of 17.28 and a strike rate of 144, thanks to nine half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 77 runs. In the bowling department, he bagged 317 scalps in 218 innings at an economy rate of seven. His experience will also be vital for Sri Lanka.

2. Matheesha Pathirana

The 22-year-old right-arm pacer from the Sri Lanka side, Matheesha Pathirana, has used his slingy action like the former great, Lasith Malinga, to earn success in the death overs. He has also used his variations and the slower deliveries to fox the batters, which has always been beneficial for the side.

In 19 T20I innings, Pathirana has picked up 31 wickets at an average of 16.90, a strike rate of 11.8, and an economy rate of 8.54 with the best T20I figures of 4/24 in an innings. In the overall shortest format, he has collected 132 wickets in 97 T20s at an average of 21.14 and an economy rate of 8.59, thanks to the best of 4/20 in an innings.

During the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Chennai Super Kings, Pathirana struggled for 13 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 32.61 and an economy rate of over 10, which is a concern for the management of the Sri Lanka side.

1. Kamindu Mendis

The 26-year-old Sri Lankan spin all-rounder, Kamindu Mendis, has been a crucial member of the shortest format in the T20I series against Zimbabwe away from home. The southpaw has smashed 443 runs in 24 T20I innings at an average of 20.13 and a strike rate of 128.03, scoring two fifties at the best score of unbeaten 65 runs.

Mendis, in the overall shortest formats, has clubbed 2194 runs in 92 innings at an average of more than 27 and a strike rate of 130.20 with 13 fifties. Mendis has contributed well in the lower middle order besides providing four overs of his innings.

In the Asia Cup 2025, Mendis will bring the best balance in the side as Sri Lanka can aim to go for their successive title in the shortest format.

Sri Lanka clinched the two-match ODI series against the hosts Zimbabwe after another thrilling victory in the series-decider on Sunday (August 31), as the Lankans beat the Chevrons by five wickets after chasing down the 278-run target in 49.3 balls with only three balls remaining. After losing their home ODI series in 2017, it was Sri Lanka's third straight bilateral ODI series win against Zimbabwe.

Leading the series 1-0 after winning the thrilling series opener, where the Sri Lankan left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka recorded an ODI hat-trick in the final over of the match to secure a victory, the visitors chose to field first in the second ODI. After Zimbabwe scored 277/7 in 50 overs, the visitors fought hard but calmly to successfully chase the target in the final over. 

See Also: Ravichandran Ashwin registered in new franchise league outside India

ZIM vs SL 2025, 2nd ODI: Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza continued their form

Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett (21), the no.3 Brendan Taylor (20), and skipper Sean Williams (20) failed to carry their starts, while the other opener Ben Curran and dependable middle-order Sikandar Raza controlled the innings with their back-to-back half-centuries. Curran recorded a 55-ball half-century and scored 79 runs off 95 balls with nine fours before losing his wicket in the 32nd over. 

Later, Sikandar Raza scored a 51-ball half-century and scored 59 not out off 55 balls with the help of five fours and one six. Also, the wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande added a cameo of a crucial run-a-ball 36 runs with four fours. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera (3/52) got three wickets, and Asitha Fernando (2/67) picked up two wickets. Meanwhile, the last match hero Dilshan Madushanka (1/57) got one wicket along with Janith Liyanage (1/36). 

ZIM vs SL 2025, 2nd ODI: Pathum Nissanka's century and Charith Asalanka's 71 secured win

In reply, Sri Lanka lost their opener Nuwanidu Fernando (14) and Kusal Mendis (5) cheaply, but the other opener Pathum Nissanka continued his good form by scoring his second consecutive 50+ score in this series. Sadeera Samarawickrama had a 78-run partnership for the third wicket with Nissanka before losing his wicket for 31 runs.

Meanwhile, after completing his 50 runs in 54 balls, Nissanka continued his strong innings. He got a life in the 27th over, when he was batting at 78 runs, as Brad Evans dropped him at short cover. It cost the hosts hugely, as the Lankan opener scored his seventh ODI century in 111 balls. He had a 90-run fourth-wicket partnership with the skipper Charith Asalanka before losing his wicket for 122 runs in 136 balls with 16 fours. However, the Lankan skipper controlled the latter part of the innings as he scored a 43-ball fifty and 71 runs off 61 balls before losing his wicket in the 49th over, when the visitors needed six runs in eight balls.

Among the Zimbabwean bowlers, Richard Ngarava (2/53) and Brad Evans (2/54) got more than one wicket in the innings. 

Visitors Sri Lanka claimed a dramatic thrilling win against the hosts Zimbabwe after the 24-year-old left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka delivered the match-winning ODI hat-trick to secure a seven-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match away ODI series at Harare on Friday (August 29). 

Chasing down the 299-run target, as Sri Lanka scored 298/6 in 50 overs, Zimbabwe had a horrible start, as the hosts lost two wickets in the first over before opening the scoreline. However, the next batters turned the game dramatically, as Ben Curran (70), captain Sean Williams (57), Sikandar Raza (92), and Tony Munyonga (43*) almost became the heroes for the Chevrons. 

In the last over of the match, Zimbabwe needed 10 runs to win with five wickets in hand, and Raza and Munyonga had already built up a powerful 128-run partnership for the sixth wicket in 114 balls. The left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka had the duty in the last over, who delivered the over brilliantly as the hosts ended their innings at 291/8 in 50 overs.

See Also: Shubman Gill set to begin training at CoE ahead of Asia Cup 2025

ZIM vs SL 2025, 1st ODI: Dilshan Madushanka recorded ODI hat-trick in the thrilling final over

After Madushanka bowled Raza for 92 runs on the first ball of the over, Brad Evans was caught out at short fine for a golden duck on the next delivery, and the left-arm pacer completed his first ODI hat-trick with a bowled to Richard Ngarava on the next delivery. In the last three balls, Madushanka conceded only two runs to secure a seven-run victory for the Lankans. Now, check some stats of Madushanka's latest ODI hat-trick. 

DILSHAN MADUSHANKA TOOK A HAT-TRICK IN THE FINAL OVER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5g0p8JjJ96

— DK Rajpurohit 🇮🇳 (@DeviSin61134860) August 29, 2025

• It was the 52nd ODI hat-trick.
• Madushanka became the eighth Sri Lankan bowler to record an ODI hat-trick.
• It was the 11th time that a Sri Lankan bowler recorded an ODI hat-trick.
• After Chaminda Vaas and Wanindu Hasaranga, Madushanka became the third Sri Lankan to record an ODI hat-trick against Zimbabwe.
• Madushanka became the seventh bowler to record an ODI hat-trick against Zimbabwe.
• It was the eighth time that a bowler recorded an ODI hat-trick against Zimbabwe. 

Sri Lankan bowlers with ODI hat-tricks

*Lasith Malinga's first ODI hat-trick was the four consecutive wickets, which was the first instance in international cricket history.

Dilshan Madushanka ended the game as the Player of the Match with the match-winning bowling figures of 10-0-62-4. 

Dimuth Karunaratne used to be the captain of Sri Lanka's cricket team and he open the games. But now he said, I'm not going to Retire from  the International Cricket. Dimuth has played in many games, the last game for his career is 100th test. Karunaratne will play this important 100th game against Australia, on February 6th in Galle. 

Dimuth Karunaratne to Retire After 100th Test: A Remarkable Journey Comes to an End

Karunaratne plays so many years for the Sri Lanka team. He opens the innings and helps his team do very well. Everyone thinks he's a great Captain. When he was the captain, his team won Very important games. However, Karunaratne’s recent struggles with form and a dip in motivation have led him to believe that retiring after reaching the 100 Test landmark is the right decision. His contributions will be remembered as a significant part of Sri Lanka's resurgence in international cricket.

ALSO READ: CSA Provisional One Day Challenge Division Two 2025: Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming, and Where to Watch in India

Karunaratne Reflects on His Decision

Before his last approach, Karunaratne spoke to his friends Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal about his retirement. He first wanted to obtain 10,000 runs, but he's happy with what he did. “I am happy with what I have achieved so far. I want to announce my retirement with a happy moment like playing in my 100th Test,” Karunaratne told Daily FT.

🚨 DIMUTH KARUNARATNE RETIRING FROM CRICKET 🚨

- Karunaratne will be playing his 100th Test against Australia during the 2nd Test and he will be retiring from International cricket after the match. [Sportspavilion] pic.twitter.com/n3gt91FLx6

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 4, 2025

A Legacy Cemented in Sri Lankan Cricket

Having scored a century in his 50th Test, Karunaratne is keen to replicate that feat in his final game. He made 7,172 runs. The average under 40. He also made really big scores  that's when he get 100 runs more than 16 times and he scored 50 more than 39 times. 

His resilience, consistency, and leadership have made him one of the greatest openers to wore the Sri Lankan jersey. As he prepares to bid farewell, his contribution to the game will serve as an inspiration for future generations of cricketers in Sri Lanka. As he moves to Australia with his family, Karunaratne leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished for years to come. His departure marks not just the end of an individual career but a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.

Kamindu Mendis Named ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year

Sri Lanka's star Player, Kamindu Mendis, has been honored with the prestigious ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year award after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Mendis demonstrated his class across all formats, accumulating a remarkable 1451 runs at an average exceeding 50. 

Mendis had an unforgettable year in Test cricket, making headlines by becoming the joint-third fastest player to score 1000 Test runs, a milestone he shares with the legendary Sir Don Bradman. It took him just 13 innings to achieve this incredible feat. By the end of the year, he had amassed 1049 runs in nine matches, maintaining a stunning average of 74.92. With five centuries and three half-centuries to his name.

ALSO READ: Tilak Varma Shatters Virat Kohli's T20 Record: The Rise of a New Star

A prolific run-scorer, who scored 1451 runs across formats at an average of just above 50 💥

Sri Lanka's star on the rise has taken out the ICC Emerging Men's Cricketer of the Year Award 🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/qIrRy5Kpif

— ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2025

He emerged as Sri Lanka's top scorer during their tour of England. His contributions were pivotal in Sri Lanka's historic first Test victory in England in a decade, reinforcing his reputation as a Best performer on the global stage. As he continues to evolve, Sri Lanka will look to him as a crucial figure in their future successes.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), in consultation with Cricket Australia (CA), has revised the complete schedule of the upcoming Australia tour of Sri Lanka, which is better for Australia.

Previously, it was decided that Sri Lanka would host a two-match Test series against Australia, which would be part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. After that, they would play one ODI before Australia participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

See Also: Bed rest for Jasprit Bumrah: No certainty for Champions Trophy selection

An ODI added to the revised schedule

However, the SLC has added one more ODI to the revised schedule as Australia will now tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series and another two-match ODI series. The Test series will be part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, while Galle will host both Test matches. 

Meanwhile, Colombo will host both the ODIs on February 12 and 14. It is a better schedule for the two-time ICC Champions Trophy winners Australia, as they will get better preparation for the upcoming ICC tournament. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to finishing outside the top seven teams (excluding Pakistan due to direct qualification as the hosts) in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. 

Australia tour of Sri Lanka 2024-25

(Test series)

1st Test: January 29 –  February 2 (Galle)

2nd Test: February 6 – 10 (Galle)

(ODI series)

1st ODI: February 12 (Colombo)

2nd ODI: February 14 (Colombo)

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Australia will play all group stage matches in Pakistan 

Australia are in Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they have the opponents England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. As they are in the opposite group of Team India (Group A), the Aussies will play all their group-stage matches in Pakistan. Except they face India in the semifinals or final of the tournament, which will be played in Dubai, Australia will play all their matches of the tournament in Pakistan.