The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, and only the third in the T20I format, is here. While India often dominates the narrative, no Asia Cup conversation is complete without Sri Lanka, five-time ODI champions, one-time T20I winners, and the defending champions of this format.
Once the most consistent Asian champions, Sri Lanka have struggled for rhythm in T20Is in recent years. The Lions, however, remain unpredictable and dangerous in tournaments. Here’s a closer look at their form, key performers, and prospects in the 2025 Asia Cup.
The Lions’ Recent T20I Form
- Since Asia Cup victory (11th Sept 2022):
- Played 45 matches
- Won 20, Lost 24, No Result 1
- Played 45 matches
- In 2025:
- Played 7 matches
- Won 4, Lost 3
- Played 7 matches
Top 10 Performers Since 11th Sept 2022 (Batting)
| Player | Batting Runs | |
| 1 | KIC Asalanka | 752 |
| 2 | DM de Silva | 425 |
| 3 | MD Shanaka | 408 |
| 4 | PHKD Mendis | 367 |
| 5 | PW Hasaranga | 300 |
| 6 | AD Mathews | 268 |
| 7 | C Karunaratne | 80 |
| 8 | M Theekshana | 64 |
| 9 | CAK Rajitha | 23 |
| 10 | SSD Arachchige | 22 |
Top 10 Performers Since 11th Sept 2022 (Bowling)
| Player | Bowling Wickets | |
| 1 | PW Hasaranga | 63 |
| 2 | M Theekshana | 41 |
| 3 | M Pathirana | 30 |
| 4 | N Thushara | 28 |
| 5 | MD Shanaka | 14 |
| 6 | PVD Chameera | 13 |
| 7 | B Fernando | 13 |
| 8 | DM de Silva | 10 |
| 9 | CBRLS Kumara | 10 |
| 10 | D Madushanka | 9 |
2025 Key Contributors
Batting: Pathum Nissanka has led the way with 198 runs this year, followed by Kusal Mendis (148) and Kusal Perera (129).
Bowling: Dushmantha Chameera tops the wicket chart with 6 wickets, while Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara have chipped in with five each.
Top 5 Performers in 2025 (Bowling)
| Player | Bowling Wickets | |
| 1 | PVD Chameera | 6 |
| 2 | B Fernando | 5 |
| 3 | N Thushara | 5 |
| 4 | M Theekshana | 4 |
| 5 | KIC Asalanka | 3 |
| 6 | PW Hasaranga | 2 |
| 7 | MD Shanaka | 1 |
| 8 | JDF Vandersay | 1 |
| 9 | PHKD Mendis | 1 |
| 10 | MADI Hemantha | 1 |
Also Read:
- Is Imran Khan Pakistan’s Greatest Test Cricketer Ever?
- Fakhar Zaman Middle-Order Suitability for Asia Cup 2025: A Data-Backed UAE Conditions Analysis
Batting Performances in 2025
| Player | Batting Runs | Batting Out Rate | |
| 1 | P Nissanka | 198 | 22.83 |
| 2 | BKG Mendis | 148 | 19.00 |
| 3 | MDKJ Perera | 129 | 16.80 |
| 4 | KIC Asalanka | 81 | 13.40 |
| 5 | MD Shanaka | 76 | 22.67 |
| 6 | PHKD Mendis | 62 | 17.50 |
| 7 | WIA Fernando | 30 | 17.00 |
| 8 | MADI Hemantha | 22 | 19.00 |
| 9 | K Mishara | 20 | 20.00 |
| 10 | M Theekshana | 18 | 16.00 |
Watch Out Players
- Pathum Nissanka: The most reliable run-scorer for Sri Lanka over the past year, not only in T20Is but also in Tests. His role will be crucial.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Among the best T20I spinners in the world. Considering the conditions in this Asia Cup (UAE), his bowling will be vital for Sri Lanka.
Group Challenge
Sri Lanka has been drawn alongside arch-rivals Bangladesh and a dangerous Afghanistan side. It won’t be an easy path to the Super Four, but history suggests Sri Lanka always rise to the occasion in Asia Cups.
Final Prediction: Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will qualify from Group B for the Super Four.
Sri Lanka Squad (Asia Cup 2025)
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.
Continue Reading:
