Sri Lanka's Asia Cup Hopes Dented as Hasaranga Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Series with Injury

Sri Lanka’s build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 has suffered a setback with Wanindu Hasaranga left out of the squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series due to a hamstring strain. The star all-rounder picked up the injury during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July and remains in rehabilitation, racing against time to regain fitness before the continental tournament begins on September 9 in the UAE.

The absence of Hasaranga comes at a crucial stage. Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two ODIs against Zimbabwe in Harare starting August 29, followed by a three-match T20I series from September 3. These fixtures were expected to fine-tune combinations ahead of the Asia Cup, but the management will now be forced to test alternatives in Hasaranga’s role.

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Charith Asalanka will captain the side, with experienced names like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Dasun Shanaka providing stability. In Hasaranga’s absence, the onus will fall on young all-rounders Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis to step up. The tour also provides an opportunity for fringe players such as Kamil Mishara and Vishen Halambage to make a case for Asia Cup selection.

Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe begins with two ODIs in Harare, scheduled for August 29 and 31. The sides then meet in a three-match T20I series, also in Harare, with games on September 3, 6, and 7, serving as vital preparation ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

Sri Lanka, who finished as the runners-up in the previous edition, are scheduled to begin their upcoming Asia Cup campaign on Saturday, September 13 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Sri Lanka squad for Zimbabwe T20Is

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana