Birthday of one of the finest modern-era middle-order batsmen, Dhananjaya de Silva. On September 6, 1991, Silva was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka. After the 2016 domestic season, Silva got his first Test call-up.

The right-handed batter first went under the spotlight during the 2016 Super T20 Provincial tournament. In this season he accumulated 234 runs at a strike rate of 133 in six innings. After an individual successful Super T20 Provincial competition, Dhananjaya shined with Tamil Union. After 55 years of waiting, they emerged victorious in a first-class campaign, that too with the support of a young Dhananjaya de Silva. He helped the team by scoring 868 runs at a 54.25 batting average, including a crucial fourth-innings 124 in the match that clinched his team the title. Not only with the bat, Silva contributed with his bowling work by clinching 34 wickets at 14.23. 

He did not take too much time to impress cricket fans in Sri Lankan colors in Test format. Against Australia, Silva scored a century and a half-century in his career's third Test match. He also scored match-winning hundreds in Harare and at home against the West Indies and Pakistan.

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Back-to-back hundreds for Silva

The century against Zimbabwe came only one match after his maiden Test hundred against Australia. A few tests after, he found his rhythm back against India when he scored an unbeaten 119-run at Colombo. In the next match, another ton, this time against Bangladesh.

As of now, in 65 test matches, he amassed 4133 at a batting average of 38.99, powered by twelve centuries and 19 half-centuries. He claimed 43 Test wickets as well. In January 2024, he replaced Dimuth Karunaratne as Sri Lanka's Test captain.

Sri Lanka, the defending champions of the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, are gearing up for the 2025 edition with high hopes. Having beaten Pakistan in the final of the last tournament, they come into this year’s competition with momentum and confidence. Their squad for the upcoming event has already been announced, with a blend of experienced players and young talent.

With six Asia Cup titles to their name, Sri Lanka stands as the second most successful team in the tournament’s history, only behind India, who have claimed the crown eight times. This record highlights their consistency and ability to perform on the big stage.

Charith Asalanka has been handed the responsibility of leading the side this time. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka will look to maintain their fighting spirit and strong team culture. If their key players deliver, they stand a realistic chance of challenging for yet another Asia Cup title.

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Sri Lanka Reveals Squad for Asia Cup:

Sri Lanka is preparing for the 2025 Asia Cup, which will be played in the T20 format. With their squad already finalized, the team aims to build on past success and showcase strong performances. They look determined to put up a competitive fight and challenge the top sides in the tournament.

Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka

What will be Sri Lanka’s quest to defend their Asia Cup T20I title?

Sri Lanka gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 with hopes of defending their crown. While they possess strengths that can help them succeed, concerns remain. Their journey will reveal how effectively they overcome challenges and position themselves for another title triumph.

• Sri Lanka’s Batting Power and Middle Order Support Could Be Key Strengths

Sri Lanka enter the Asia Cup 2025 with a solid batting lineup that combines experience and balance. At the top, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera provide stability and the ability to rotate strike while keeping the scoreboard moving. Their consistency makes them reliable in laying down strong foundations for the team.

In the middle, skipper Charith Asalanka plays the anchor role, guiding the innings with maturity. The finishing touches come from Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis, who add much-needed power in the late overs. Sri Lanka’s all-round strength is further boosted by Wanindu Hasaranga, who not only contributes with the ball but also has the ability to score quick runs down the order.

• Sri Lanka’s Fragile Lower Order a Worry for Asia Cup

Sri Lanka’s lower middle order remains a concern if quick wickets fall early. While Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka bring attacking intent, their inconsistency under pressure raises questions. In T20 cricket, dependable finishers are vital, and though Mendis has shown form, both Shanaka and Hasaranga must deliver more consistently to guide the team in crucial phases.

• Sri Lanka’s spin lacks spark, while inexperienced and inconsistent pace attack may pose challenges

Out of Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad, only Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and young Dunith Wellalage bring genuine spin impact, though Wellalage lacks experience in high-stakes tournaments. While Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis can contribute part-time spin, their chances of making a difference against top opponents in the Asia Cup remain limited.

On the pace front, Sri Lanka’s attack looks promising but relatively raw compared to rivals. Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara offer seam options, yet the absence of a consistent express-pace leader reduces their new-ball threat. Dushmantha Chameera’s experience is vital, though he often leaks runs under pressure. Rising talent Matheesha Pathirana has great potential, but his ability to handle crunch situations will be truly tested.

• Favorable UAE Conditions Could Boost Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 Winning Chances

Sri Lanka could find the UAE conditions favorable, as they closely mirror the pitches back home. Their top-order batters are adept at facing both spin and pace, giving them a solid foundation. Moreover, their spinners are well-equipped to exploit the slow and dry surfaces under the lights, enhancing their chances of dominating.

Hasaranga and Theekshana can control the crucial middle overs, applying pressure and taking wickets on slower tracks. Pathirana, with his recent form in franchise leagues, adds an unpredictable edge with his bounce. Alongside them, Wellalage’s left-arm orthodox spin and Kamindu Mendis’ off-breaks provide valuable variety, making the Sri Lankan bowling attack more versatile and balanced for the Asia Cup 2025 challenge.

• Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 Hopes Rely on Nissanka, Mendis, Hasaranga, Asalanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka, and Dushmantha Chameera will be the key pillars of Sri Lanka’s campaign with both bat and ball. Their performances will largely determine how the team sets the pace in matches, whether batting first or defending totals.

If the openers Nissanka and Mendis provide a solid foundation, it will ease the burden on the middle order, giving Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis a platform to build further. On the bowling side, the experience of Hasaranga, Chameera, and Theekshana will be crucial in applying pressure and controlling the game, especially in critical phases against stronger opponents.

The Asia Cup 2025 is just a few days away, and the anticipation is ever-building for the eight-team mega T20 international competition. The biennial event is slated to commence on September 9, 2025, and run until September 28, 2025. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plays host to the continental tournament, with the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi selected as the venues for the 19 matches. The former will host the final to decide the Asian champions for 2025, preceding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The eight teams competing are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, Afghanistan, Oman, and Hong Kong, divided into two groups of four. The group stage is followed by a Super-4 round, and then the top two teams face off in the final for Asian glory.

As is evident in the past, the tournament has witnessed some exciting battles, with players taking centre-stage and emerging as match winners for their respective countries. This edition promises to go a step ahead in delivering that same drama and adrenaline rush for everyone alike. Teams are expected to field relatively younger sides with new heroes in the fray for snatching headlines and eventually becoming the mainstays. This upholds the prevailing excitement and appreciates the anticipation around, with the right ingredients for witnessing intense and mouth-watering cricket contests. In a format driven by strategies, tactics, statistics, and analytics, match-ups and head-to-head individual tussles often hold the power to swing the pendulum towards either of the teams. They have a fair say in the decision of the match, and the majority of the outcomes are hence dependent on them. This fetches the focus and attention on the top three player match-ups to keep a curious eye on in the upcoming Asia Cup. 

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Shubman Gill Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

Back in the T20 circuit for India and now also as the vice-captain, Shubman Gill is going through a purple patch in his playing career. Having had a great Indian Premier League (IPL) season and backing it up with some stupendous batting performances in the test series in England, the talismanic batter is expected to open the innings with his state-mate Abhishek Sharma. In IPL 2025, he churned 650 runs at a strike rate of 155.87, playing as an opener for the Gujarat Titans, and that tally seems pivotal for his return in the mix. He, however, in a marquee clash against the arch-rivals, will be pitted against Pakistan's ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose left-arm angle can cause issues for the Indian batter. Shaheen had an impeccable Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season and led his Lahore Qalandars side to the title as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. He amassed 19 wickets at an average of 16.42 and an economy of 7.76. He is currently playing in a T20I tri-series involving Afghanistan and the UAE in Sharjah, and scalped 2 wickets for 21 runs in the first match against the Afghanis. The duo will be matching up against each other for the very first occasion in the T20 format. 

SALMAN AGHA Vs RASHID KHAN

The match-up stands tall among all the individual face-offs that the game between Afghanistan and Pakistan throws. The latter enter the tournament with an inexperienced batting line-up, devoid of the stalwarts like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Their current skipper, Salman Agha, has been in a great nick and is arguably their best batter alongside Fakhar Zaman. In the ongoing tri-series in the UAE, it was the Pakistan captain who played an impressive knock of 53 runs to help his side post a winning total against Afghanistan. Rashid Khan's spin bowling exploits are well-renowned across the cricketing world, and his performances, coupled with leadership duties, will be crucial in Afghanistan's longevity in the competition. In the first two matches of the tri-series, he has been successful in accumulating 4 wickets at an insane average of 11.75. 

Pathum Nissanka Vs Mustafizur Rahman

Arguably, Sri Lanka's best white ball batter among the present crop of players, Pathum Nissanka, for a long time has been the backbone of the island nation's run scoring. He often sets the tone as an opener, and his contingent style of batting enables him to play several roles. He can be explosive or lead as an anchor depending on the game situation. Currently touring Zimbabwe, he won the man of the series award for his scintillating batting performances in the ODI rubber. Sri Lanka will hope that he stays consistent and serves his nation for as long as possible. The fixture against Bangladesh has emerged as a new rivalry in Asian cricket, with some very close and nail-biting thrillers, over the recent years, upholding this fact. Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh's premier fast bowler, holds immense potential to wreak havoc among the Lankan batters, and the latter will certainly have to be wary of his immaculate bowling skills. 

Besides these three essential and top match-ups, there can be several other subtle moments in a fixture that can determine the eventualities. T20 cricket is a game of fine margins with little scope for error. The format of the Asia Cup contains the group, round-robin, and knockout stages. It tests every team against the other, and to be crowned the Asian T20I Champions for 2025, sides will have to bring in their premium quality game against some tough oppositions, and in extreme heat weather conditions of the Gulf region. 

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. 

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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. 

It was a statement from an emerging team in India, which was set to rule the Test cricket format under skipper Virat Kohli. On September 1, 2015, India won a Test series on the soil in Sri Lanka, against the home team. Since 1993, it was India's first Test series win in the country.

With the help of Cheteshwar Pujara's first-innings century, the Men in Blue got enough fuel to drive to the destiny. Batting first in Colombo, India scored 312 runs, with Pujara 145 not out against 289 deliveries. From India's batting part in the first innings, it was mostly a solo show from Pujara, who came to open the innings with KL Rahul. It was the 'Test Specialist' who remained strong on one side of the wicket, and on the other end, a series of falling wickets.

Surprisingly, when they were in front of a batting disaster, Amit Mishra again proved his batting abilities by scoring 59 off 87.Pujara and Mishra stitched a 104-run partnership to carry the team to a competitive total of 312. Ishant Sharma led the bowling department to help India to secure a significant lead, as the host lost all of their scalps in 201 runs. Sharma claimed 5 wickets. In the second innings, the middle order of the visiting side performed as a unit and offered Sri Lanka 386 as the target to win the match.

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Win for the 'Unit'

This time on a dry surface, Ravichandran Ashwin took 4 wickets, Ishant got 3, and Umesh Yadav got a brace. Then the skipper of Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews, fought against the in-form Indian bowling line-up and scored 110 runs off 240 balls. Kusal Perera came up with a 70-run innings.

In front of India's team game, Sri Lanka's individual brilliance was not enough to stand. The home team was bowled out for 268 runs in the second innings, and India won the match by 117 runs. 

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.

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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. 

The Asia Cup has long been regarded as the premier cricketing battle between Asian nations, delivering high-voltage contests filled with drama and unforgettable moments. From close finishes to surprising upsets, the tournament has always captured the passion of fans.

As anticipation grows for the next edition, the eight-team competition is set to unfold in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Fans in India can enjoy live cricket coverage exclusively on Sony Sports Network channels.

As excitement rises, it’s ideal to look back at the tournament’s most unforgettable encounters. Here’s a look back at 10 memorable encounters that showcase the spirit, intensity, and magic of the Asia Cup.

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10 Memorable Encounters of Asia Cup:

• India vs Sri Lanka - 1997 Final

The 1997 Asia Cup final at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo turned into a dominant performance by Sri Lanka. India set a respectable total of 239/7, with Mohammad Azharuddin leading the charge through a stylish knock of 81 runs.

In reply, Sri Lanka showcased both composure and authority with the bat. Marvan Atapattu anchored the chase with a fine 84, while Sanath Jayasuriya’s fluent 63 kept the scoreboard ticking. The hosts made light work of the target, finishing the game in just 36.5 overs with eight wickets in hand, sealing the title in emphatic fashion.

• India vs Pakistan - 2012

In yet another gripping India-Pakistan clash, both teams showcased outstanding performances. Pakistan seemed in control as Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez struck centuries to build a strong total. However, the spotlight shifted dramatically when Virat Kohli produced a breathtaking 183, steering India’s chase with authority. Backed by Rohit Sharma’s steady 68, Kohli’s brilliance outshone Pakistan and guided India to a commanding, unforgettable triumph.

• Pakistan vs Bangladesh – 2012 Final

In a nail-biting final in Dhaka, Pakistan set a target of 236 runs. Bangladesh put up a spirited fight, keeping hopes alive of a historic title win. However, the chase ended heartbreakingly close, with the hosts falling short by only two runs. Pakistan’s bowlers displayed composure under immense pressure in the final overs, sealing a dramatic victory and lifting the trophy in one of the most thrilling Asia Cup finishes.

• India vs Pakistan - 2014

This unforgettable one-wicket clash remains one of cricket’s most dramatic moments, remembered for Shahid Afridi’s sensational finish. Chasing India’s 246, Pakistan looked in deep trouble, requiring two sixes from the final two deliveries. With nerves of steel, Afridi launched consecutive sixes off Ravichandran Ashwin, transforming what seemed like certain defeat into an electrifying victory, sparking wild celebrations and cementing his reputation as one of the game’s greatest finishers.

• Sri Lanka vs Pakistan - 2014

In a gripping group-stage encounter, momentum shifted constantly as both sides battled hard. Sri Lanka relied on a mix of steady batting and sharp bowling to stay ahead. Lahiru Thirimanne’s brilliant century anchored the innings, while Lasith Malinga’s devastating five-wicket haul sealed the deal. Despite Pakistan’s late fight, Sri Lanka held their nerve to secure a narrow 12-run win in a match filled with drama and intensity.

• Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 2014

In Mirpur, Bangladesh piled up an impressive 326 runs, powered by Anamul Haque’s brilliant century and crucial half-centuries from Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim. The total looked daunting, but Pakistan began their reply with confidence, as Ahmed Shehzad anchored the chase with a fine 103, keeping his side in contention.

The game, however, swung into high drama in the latter stages. Shahid Afridi unleashed a breathtaking assault, hammering 59 runs from just 25 deliveries to shift the momentum. His fearless hitting reignited Pakistan’s hopes, and despite tense moments, they crossed the line with three wickets remaining. The victory stood out as a stunning comeback, underlining Pakistan’s fighting spirit and explosive batting depth.

• India vs Sri Lanka – 2016

India delivered a dominant display in the final, combining steady batting with sharp, controlled bowling. Restricting Sri Lanka to just 138/9, the bowlers ensured constant pressure throughout the innings. Virat Kohli once again stood tall with the bat, scoring his third consecutive half-century against Sri Lanka. His composed knock guided India smoothly to victory, showcasing their balance and consistency as they claimed the title with confidence and authority.

• Bangladesh vs Pakistan - 2016

At the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, Pakistan managed only 130, with Al-Amin Hossain shining through with figures of 3/25. Bangladesh replied confidently, anchored by Soumya Sarkar’s steady 48 and Mahmudullah’s quick unbeaten 22 off 15 balls. They reached the target in 19.1 overs, sealing a five-wicket triumph. The victory not only boosted their confidence but also ensured their spot in the final, keeping their campaign alive.

• India vs Bangladesh – 2018 Final

In the thrilling Dubai final, Litton Das’s superb century guided Bangladesh to 222, while India’s tense chase faced constant hurdles with Bangladesh striking at crucial moments. The contest stayed tense throughout, keeping fans on edge until the very end, highlighting the drama and intensity of the Asia Cup finale.

Kedar Jadhav, battling a hamstring injury, played a composed and decisive knock that turned the game in India’s favor. His composure in crunch moments secured a thrilling three-wicket win on the last ball, clinching the championship title. The nail-biting finish had every element of drama, ensuring fans remained captivated until the very last ball.

• Sri Lanka vs India - 2022

Sri Lanka showcased their comeback spirit with a commanding display against India, sealing a six-wicket win. The bowlers set the tone early, with Dilshan Madushanka delivering an impressive 3/24 to restrict India’s batting momentum.

During the chase, Sri Lanka’s batters delivered under pressure. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka anchored with steady fifties, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa and captain Dasun Shanaka applied the final flourish to secure victory. Their collective effort highlighted resilience and balance, earning a dramatic and well-deserved victory.

The Asia Cup 2025 is around the corner, and the world gears up to see one of the most epic cricketing rivalries of this year. While most of the chatter has been around the teams and their respective players, there does not seem to be enough spotlight on the umpires. Throughout the history of the Asia Cup, the umpires have been at the epicenter of numerous controversies. 

Right from the inaugural edition, in some way or the other, and much to the ire of the fans, the game would often be plagued by erroneous umpiring decisions that would often become a subject of intense debate the very next day in the morning. Read on as we look back at the top five umpiring controversies that rocked the Asia Cup to its core (21st century). 

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1. Asif Ali deemed “Not Out” despite UltraEdge spike (Asia Cup 2022)

In a crucial Super Four match between India and Pakistan (2022), Asif Ali appeared to edge the ball, which was confirmed by a spike on UltraEdge. The incident occurred during the 18th over of the run chase when Ali attempted to pull the ball on the leg side. Bishnoi, the concerned bowler, thought there was a strong case for a caught behind and convinced his skipper to opt for the review. However, Asif was given a lifeline as the TV umpire ruled the decision in his favor and deemed it "Not Out". India captain Rohit Sharma visibly protested, but the ruling stood, and India ultimately lost the game dramatically on the second last ball of the game. 

2. Pathum Nissanka declared "Out" despite no UltraEdge spike (Asia Cup 2022)

In a group‐stage match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan (2022), the former was rocked early by the loss of two early wickets inside the first over. Much to their agony, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka also followed suit in the next over as he was ruled caught behind, despite UltraEdge not recording any spike. The incident occurred off the bowling of Naveen ul Haq when the ball seemed to have shaped away early rather than getting deflected off the outside edge. Nissanka referred the decision upstairs in anticipation of it being overturned. But much to his surprise, the TV umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal upheld the on-field decision and ruled Nissanka out despite no visible spike on the UltraEdge meter. The entire Sri Lankan team was left stunned early in their innings, and as fate would have it, the island nation was blown away for just 106, thus paving the way for a crushing win for Afghanistan. 

3. Dhoni & Karthik adjudged LBW under controversial circumstances (Asia Cup 2018)

This game witnessed a few noticeable umpiring blunders that went against India. During a Super Four clash with Afghanistan (2018), both MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik were adjudged LBW out even though replays clearly showed the ball missing the stumps by a considerable margin. The duo were adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire Gregory Brathwaite of West Indies and Anisur Rahaman of Bangladesh. While Dhoni's dismissal seemed to be marginal, Karthik's LBW dismissal frustrated the Indian fans the most as the ball seemed to have missed the leg stump by a good couple of feet. India were set a modest target of 253 but these umpiring lapses ment that the game would end in a dramatic tie. At the post match presentation, Dhoni subtly criticized the errors, quipping, “can’t talk about a few things… don’t want to get fined,” underscoring his frustration.

4. Thisara Perera given out stumped despite replays showing otherwise (Asia Cup 2016)

In a tense 2016 match between India and Sri Lanka, Thisara Perera walked down the track and was given out stumped by on‑field umpires, even though replay angles suggested he had made his ground. It was during the 19th over of the Lankan innings that left everyone bemused. In a bid to outbox the pinch-hitter Perera, Ashwin bowled a wide delivery to get the ball beyond his hitting zone. Perera's plan to come down the track did not pay dividends as he completely missed the line of the ball. However, he made a timely recovery to get back into his crease right after completing the shot.  But Perera, back then, knew in his mind that he was a goner. Surprisingly, the decision wasn’t reviewed, and it stood as given. In the end, India earned a narrow five-wicket victory in the last over of the run chase. 

5. Khurram Manzoor given not out despite an obvious edge (Asia Cup 2016)

In the same edition of the 2016 Asia Cup, another umpiring controversy came to light. Pakistan's Khurram Manzoor survived a close call against India. He appeared to nick the ball off Ashish Nehra's bowling, but the umpire didn’t give him out, and no review was pursued. Even MS Dhoni confronted the umpire, yet the decision remained unchanged. The Indian captain had lost his cool by then, but the umpiring blunder did not hurt India's chances of emerging victorious in that game. A few balls later, Manzoor was run out by Virat Kohli. Wickets continued to tumble and Pakistan were bowled out for a shambolic 85. India, in reply, made a woeful start to their run chase as Mohammed Amir went rampant with the ball, reducing India to 8-3 inside the third over. But Kohli's laboured 49 (51) on a difficult batting track earned him a lot of praise as India were able to comfortably get over the line by five wickets with 27 balls to spare. 

It could be the best Test match for Sri Lanka after making its debut in the format. On August 19, 1992, on a single day, three Sri Lankan batters scored centuries. Asanka Gurusinha, Arjuna Ranatunga (c), and Romesh Kaluwitharana hit hundreds on a single day of the game.

It was bad luck for them; after fighting brilliantly toe-to-toe with the powerful Australia cricket team, they did not manage to win the match. In the second innings of the Test, Sri Lanka, the host, faced a batting disaster after Aravinda de Silva's dismissal.

Sri Lanka was all set to pull out a historic win, but Silva's overaggressive batting approach invited trouble for them and paved a passage for Australia to win the contest. Greg Matthews won the man of the match award for his all-round performance. In reply to Australia's 256, Sri Lanka registered a staggering 547/8d with the help of three centuries. Asanka Gurusinha, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Romesh Kaluwitharana scored 137, 127, and 132 runs, respectively.

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A wicket shift the momentum 

Australia did not hold back; they went shoulder to shoulder with the host, scoring 471 in their second innings. Though, they were able to set a target of 181, which was chaseable. Sri Lanka, in the final innings of the match, started to bat with full confidence. By then, they might have started to imagine their victory lap at Colombo. When Silva lost his scalp as the third wicket of the innings, Sri Lanka had127 runs; the target was 181. 

Australia won the match by 16 runs. From 127 for 3 to 164 for 10, Sri Lanka lost their remaining 7 batters after scoring only 37 runs. Greg Matthews claimed 4 wickets for Australia for their winning cause. 

Summary of the match:

AUS: 256 & 471

SL: (T:181) 547/8d & 164

Australia won the match by 16 runs.

Ajit Agarkar and the All India Men’s Senior Selection Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 19, to pick the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup starting September 9. Ahead of the meeting, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has told the selectors he is fit and ready to play a big boost for head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav.

As per The Indian Express, Bumrah has already informed the selectors about his availability, making it almost certain that he will be in the squad. “Bumrah has informed the selectors that he will be available for the Asia Cup selection. The selection committee will talk about it when they meet next week,” a source said.

India will play their first match on September 10 against the UAE. The much-awaited game against Pakistan will take place on September 14 in Dubai. Group A has India, UAE, Pakistan, and Oman, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

Bumrah’s return comes after he faced criticism from some former cricketers over his workload. During the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, it was already decided he would play only three of the five Tests. He bowled well, taking two five-wicket hauls in the series, but his absence in the Oval Test which India won led to debates, with comparisons to Mohammed Siraj, who played all five games.

🚨 JASPRIT BUMRAH FOR ASIA CUP 🚨

- Bumrah has informed the selectors that he is available for Selection for the Asia Cup. [Devendra Pandey from Express Sports] pic.twitter.com/31ASC4tjck

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 16, 2025

The 31-year-old, currently the No.1 Test bowler, had earlier played all five matches in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, but suffered a back spasm in the final Test in Sydney. That injury ruled him out of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which India went on to win. He also missed the first few games of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians.

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Recently, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar wrote in the Cricket Winner that the team should look at other options if Bumrah can’t play full series. “If he cannot play more than two matches in a row, or sometimes even one, he should not be your main pick. Players who are fit, eager, and ready to play should be chosen ahead of a highly skilled player. It will also motivate such players even more,” Manjrekar said.