Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has been announced, featuring the much-anticipated inclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga, albeit with caution over his fitness. The leg-spinning all-rounder missed the recent Zimbabwe tour due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Bangladesh T20I series but is now named in the squad subject to fitness clearance.
His return could prove pivotal for Sri Lanka as they gear up to defend their Asia Cup crown in a competitive Group B alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The tournament starts on September 9 in Dubai, and with Hasaranga back, Sri Lanka’s tactical arsenal receives a major boost.
Hasaranga’s Fitness and Form: A Game-Changer in the Making
While Hasaranga missed the Zimbabwe series, reports confirm he is edging closer to full fitness ahead of the Asia Cup[1]. His absence was felt in recent white-ball fixtures, where Sri Lanka leaned on spinners like Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to fill the spin-bowling void. Hasaranga’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs, combined with his knack for crucial breakthroughs, makes him invaluable.
The 28-year-old had a stellar 2024 season, bagging top bowling awards in both the ODI and T20I formats domestically and internationally, and was crowned the best T20I all-rounder by Sri Lanka Cricket. Given his recent performances and recovery progress, Sri Lanka could expect a fully fit Hasaranga to anchor their spin attack and offer lower-order hitting depth.
Tactical Breakdown: The Spin Twin Pillar
Sri Lanka’s spin combination has favored aggression and wicket-taking ability, with Hasaranga and Theekshana forming a formidable duo. Hasaranga’s leg-spin, characterized by sharp variations and excellent control, complements Theekshana’s off-spin accuracy and economy. The pair’s synergy destabilizes opposition batting line-ups by varying pace, length, and spin direction.
In the absence of Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s spin attack lacked the penetrating wicket-taking punch that has often won them matches, particularly in the T20 format. His return would allow Sri Lanka to deploy a more attacking strategy:
Powerplay bowling: Hasaranga’s ability to pick wickets early applies immediate pressure, disrupting opposition momentum.
Middle overs: His variations make scoring difficult, enabling tight containment and key wickets.
Lower-order batting: Hasaranga contributes valuable quick runs, crucial for setting or chasing targets.
Technically, his lethal googly and quicker ones have been especially effective against top-order hitters globally. His performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps, underscores his game-changing talent on big stages.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
Sri Lanka has a proud Asia Cup history, having won the tournament six times, including the last edition in 2022 where they defeated Pakistan in the final by 23 runs. Hasaranga was instrumental in that triumph, anchoring the spin attack and contributing crucial runs in the lower order.
Against their Group B opponents:
Bangladesh: Known for strong spin batting, making Hasaranga’s duel with their top batsmen critical.
Afghanistan: A spin-heavy side themselves, posing a tactical battle between wrist spinners.
Hong Kong: Lesser experienced but potentially vulnerable to quality spin.
Hasaranga’s ability to exploit conditions in Dubai, where pitches tend to assist spinners, could tip the balance decisively in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Impact on Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Chances
With Hasaranga fit, Sri Lanka catapults from a competitive to a commanding force in the Asia Cup. His experience, tactical acumen, and match-winning skills significantly raise Sri Lanka’s chances to defend their title. The injury scare and fitness concern have added an element of uncertainty, but his inclusion signals confidence from the selectors and coaching staff.
The squad around Hasaranga is strong, with explosive batsmen, other spin options in Theekshana, and pace spearheads like Matheesha Pathirana returning. Balancing these components with Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance could prove decisive in crunch games.