📰 Big Update: Hasaranga Back for Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka has received a massive boost ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 as their star leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been declared fit and included in the 16-member Sri Lanka squad.
The tournament begins on September 9, 2025, in the UAE, and Sri Lanka will start their campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh.
Hasaranga missed the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe due to a hamstring injury, but team management has confirmed that he is now fully recovered and ready to lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack.
🏆 Asia Cup 2025 – Tournament Overview 🌏
The Asia Cup 2025 promises thrilling cricketing action with eight participating teams:
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇵🇰 Pakistan
- 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
- 🇦🇫 Afghanistan
- 🇦🇪 UAE
- 🇴🇲 Oman (qualifier)
- 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Key Tournament Details:
- Host Country: UAE
- Venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 🏟️, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 🏟️
- Start Date: September 9, 2025
- Final: September 28, 2025
🦸 Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka’s Game Changer 🌟
Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the world’s top T20 all-rounders and a match-winner for Sri Lanka. His ability to bowl wicket-taking leg-spin, score quick runs, and handle pressure makes him Sri Lanka’s X-factor for the Asia Cup 2025.
🔹 Hasaranga’s Recent Stats
- T20I Wickets: 91 wickets in 58 matches 🎯
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/9 vs India 🔥
- T20I Batting Strike Rate: 147+ 🚀
- ICC T20I All-Rounder Ranking: No. 2 🌎
With UAE’s spin-friendly pitches, Hasaranga will be the biggest threat for opposition teams, especially against India and Pakistan.
📢 Sri Lanka’s Full Squad for Asia Cup 2025 🏏
Captain: Charith Asalanka
Vice-Captain: Kusal Mendis
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s 16-Member Squad
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kamil Mishara
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga ⭐
- Dunith Wellalage
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Binura Fernando
- Nuwan Thushara
- Matheesha Pathirana
🏟️ Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures – Sri Lanka’s Matches 📅
- Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – September 13, 2025
- Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – September 17, 2025
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – September 21, 2025
- Super 4s & Final – September 25 to 28, 2025
⚡ Why Hasaranga’s Return Is a Big Boost 🚀
Hasaranga’s absence during Sri Lanka’s T20 series against Zimbabwe exposed their middle-overs bowling weakness. With his return:
- ✅ Improved spin depth alongside Maheesh Theekshana & Dunith Wellalage
- ✅ A power-hitter in the lower middle order
- ✅ Game-finisher under pressure situations
- ✅ Experience in UAE conditions from IPL & Asia Cup 2022
📊 Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup History 🏆
| Year | Position | Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 🏆 Winner | Sri Lanka |
| 2023 | 🥈 Runner-Up | India |
| 2025 | ❓ | TBD |
Sri Lanka won the 2022 Asia Cup under Dasun Shanaka and finished runner-up in 2023. This year, with Hasaranga back, they aim to regain the title.
🔍 UAE Pitch & Weather Report 🌤️
- Dubai Pitch: Batting-friendly with assistance to spinners 🏏
- Abu Dhabi Pitch: Balanced but slower in the second innings 🌪️
- Average First Innings Score: 160-175 runs
- Best Strategy: Bat first and defend under lights 🌙
- Weather: Hot & humid, 35°C+ 🌡️
🎯 Key Battles to Watch in Asia Cup 2025 🔥
- Hasaranga vs Suryakumar Yadav 🏏
- Shaheen Afridi vs Kusal Mendis ⚡
- Bumrah vs Pathum Nissanka 🎯
- Rashid Khan vs Hasaranga 🌀
🧩 Match Prediction: Sri Lanka’s Chances
With Hasaranga fit, Sri Lanka looks balanced with quality spinners, power-hitters, and pace options. UAE’s pitches favor their spin-heavy approach, giving them a solid shot at reaching the Asia Cup 2025 Final.
Predicted Finish: Top 3 Contenders 🏆
📌 Key Takeaways
- Wanindu Hasaranga Asia Cup 2025
- Sri Lanka Asia Cup squad 2025
- Asia Cup 2025 UAE venues
- SL vs BAN Asia Cup 2025
- Sri Lanka cricket news
- T20 World Cup 2026 preparations
- Asia Cup 2025 fixtures & schedule
- Hasaranga injury update
- Sri Lanka spin attack UAE pitches
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be an explosive tournament, and Wanindu Hasaranga’s comeback gives Sri Lanka a fighting edge. With UAE’s spin-friendly pitches and a balanced squad, Sri Lanka has a real chance to lift the trophy again.
❓FAQs – Wanindu Hasaranga & Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025
❓ 1. Is Wanindu Hasaranga playing in the Asia Cup 2025?
A: Yes ✅, Wanindu Hasaranga has recovered from his hamstring injury and has been included in Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.
❓ 2. When will Sri Lanka play their first Asia Cup 2025 match?
A: Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 13, 2025, against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
❓ 3. What are Sri Lanka’s fixtures in the Asia Cup 2025?
A:
- Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – September 13, 2025
- Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – September 17, 2025
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – September 21, 2025
- Super 4s & Final – September 25 to 28, 2025
❓ 4. Where is the Asia Cup 2025 being held?
A: The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the UAE 🇦🇪 across two major venues:
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium 🏟️
- Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 🏟️
❓ 5. Why is Wanindu Hasaranga important for Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025?
A: Wanindu Hasaranga is Sri Lanka’s X-factor due to his:
- Wicket-taking leg-spin 🎯
- Explosive batting in the lower order 🚀
- Experience on UAE pitches from IPL & Asia Cup 2022
- Proven match-winning ability under pressure 💪
❓ 6. How many Asia Cups has Sri Lanka won so far?
A: Sri Lanka has won the Asia Cup six times 🏆, including the 2022 title. They finished as runner-up in 2023 and are aiming to regain the trophy in 2025.
❓ 7. Who are the key players for Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2025?
A:
- Wanindu Hasaranga 🌀 (All-rounder)
- Maheesh Theekshana 🎯 (Spinner)
- Pathum Nissanka 🏏 (Opener)
- Kusal Mendis 🔥 (Wicket-keeper batter)
- Dushmantha Chameera ⚡ (Pace bowler)
❓ 8. How do UAE pitches affect Sri Lanka’s strategy?
A: UAE pitches favor spin bowling, which suits Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack led by Hasaranga and Theekshana. Expect Sri Lanka to rely on spin domination and bat-first strategies in night games.
❓ 9. Can Sri Lanka win the Asia Cup 2025?
A: With Wanindu Hasaranga’s return and a balanced squad, Sri Lanka is among the top contenders for the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. Their spin strength and UAE experience give them a strong edge.