Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka Squad and Schedule

The 15th edition of the Asia Cup beckons with the thrill-a-minute T20 format set to captivate viewers around the globe. The defending champions India are the outright favorites to clinch the coveted trophy for a record eight-time, but only a meek expert will rule out Sri Lanka’s chances in the continental tournament, who are the second most successful side in the competition’s history and are the dark horses, capable of upending any team on their day.

Sri Lanka were originally designated to host this year’s tournament after a hiatus of four years, but due to the ongoing political and financial unrest in the country, the island nation pulled out from hosting the tournament. But amidst all the carnage in the country, the Sri Lankan team has put together some spirited performances, including a historic ODI series victory against the mighty Aussies.

The white-ball team have adopted a fearless brand of cricket under their mercurial leader Dasun Shanka and has a blend of youth and maturity in a power-packed squad. Veteran middle-order batter Dinesh Chandimal makes his way back to the T20I squad, following some scintillating match-winning knocks in red-ball cricket.

Talented top-order batter Kusal Mendis will be the lynchpin for the Sri Lankans in the upcoming tournament and will have able support from some incredible power-hitters like Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa while Shanka and Dhananjaya de Silva can also provide lusty blows down the order with their all-round abilities.

Sri Lanka’s penetrative spin bowling attack poses the biggest threat to the opposing teams, with some world-class spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Praveen Jayawickrama in their ranks. The absence of Dushmanth Chameera will be a critical loss for the team and will be expecting their young pacers to rise to the occasion.

Sri Lanka’s squad and fixtures for Asia Cup 2022

Sri Lanka’s squad for Asia Cup:  Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dinesh Chandimal, Ashen Bandara, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madhushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Nuwan Thushara

 Schedule – 

1st Match – 27th of August – Sri Lanka versus Afghanistan (7:30 IST)

2nd Match – 1st September – Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh (7:30 IST)