The Sri Lankan National Cricket Team has announced the team from the final 17 members of the T20I series against Zimbabwe. This is also considered one of the most likely lineups for the Asian Cup, which will take place after the series ends.
Sri Lanka is currently on a tour to Zimbabwe for a two-match ODI series, followed by a three-match T20I series. The tour is scheduled to start tomorrow, August 29th. This will be the final series they will perform as part of their preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup.
They announced the ODI team a week ago, and after all the players have already arrived in Harare and preparing for the series, they ultimately revealed the T20I team.
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Sri Lanka announces T20I team against Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka has not provided many surprises with the team despite humiliating losses to Bangladesh in the T20I series at home. Instead, they have kept their most veteran spinner, Wainidu Hasaranga, away from the Zimbabwe series, and he remains questionable in the Asian Cup.
Nuwanidu Fernando has replaced Avishka Fernando on the Zimbabwe Tour team, but Dinesh Chandimal has also been ruled out, with Kamil Mishara being called to the Sri Lankan team instead.
Dushan Hemantha and Veshen Halambage are one of two members, a new addition, on behalf of leg spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay.
Sri Lanka Team: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Mahesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, vishenhalambage, dunakan Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Mathesha Pathirana.
A 17-man team hints towards the Asian Cup team
The 17-member team announced by the Sri Lanka Cricket Committee can be considered the final team of the Asian Cup 2025, although not making such an official announcement.
The team includes 17 well-picked players. However, there may be a change or two for the Asian Cup as you may see spinner Hasaranga come back to convey his wealth of experience climbing up the sleeves.
The series concludes on September 7th, just two days before the Asian Cup action begins in the UAE, and the final date for the announcement of the Asian Cup team is stated on August 30th by the Asian Cricket Council.
Sri Lanka begins minutes as one of the Asian Cup’s favorites
Lancan has been described as a favorite of the Asian Continental Championship despite his poor form in the international tournament and his snub from the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup since he failed to qualify for the next stage.
Since Dasun Shanaka was the skipper of the time, they were the champions who were played in the shortest format of the game. They are cited as India’s closest competitor by former Pakistani cricketer Bashit Ali.
Lankan will launch an Asian Cup campaign against Bangladesh on September 13th with Group B Fixture.
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