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Not Pakistan, But Here's Why Sri Lanka Could Be India's Biggest Threat In Asia Cup 2025

Abhinav Tyagi

Sri Lanka Against Bangladesh - (Source : AFP)Sri Lanka Against Bangladesh - (Source : AFP)

India has got off to a positive start in the Asia Cup 2025, as the Men in Blue registered a win over the UAE and are all set to lock horns against Pakistan. The Men in Green are touted to be India's biggest hurdle on their road to glory.

However, not only Pakistan, but the Men in Blue need to be wary off the threat posed by Sri Lanka, specially after their emphatic win over Bangladesh. The Island Nation were on song in their first match, and this article will look at three reasons why Sri Lanka are looking like a real threat in this season. 

1. Solid Bowling Line-Up 

Sri Lanka have one of the lethal bowling attacks in the world at the moment. Skipper Charith Asalanka took a massive risk and opted to play three proper seamers and just a sole spinner - Wanindu Hasaranga. 

The move paid off as the seamers took early wickets and restricted Bangladesh to 0/2. Eventually, Hasaranga stepped in, and the Tigers were reduced to 53/5.

Eventually, Bangladesh managed to put 139 runs on the board, but the bowling attack looked lethal, and the fans argued that Matheesha Pathirana had a rare off day, and if he had been on song, the Tigers would have tumbled a lot early.

2. Aggressive Approach 

In the match against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka opted for a new approach where they were aggressive in their batting. Chasing a total of 140, Sri Lanka lost an early wicket as Kusal Mendis returned to the pavilion early on. 

However, in such a situation, the Sri Lankan batters continued with intent and chased down the total in just 14.4 overs despite losing four wickets. Kamil Mishara looked in great touch and scored 46 (32), which featured four fours and two sixes. 

Further, Pathum Nissanka too scored a fifty in just 34 balls, which helped Sri Lanka overcome the early pressure, which could have intensified if they had batted slowly. 

Further, the batters didn't shy away from taking on Bangladesh's best bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, who leaked away 35 runs in three overs and took a solitary wicket.

3. Roles Defined For Players

One major difference between a big and a small team is that each player is aware of the team's requirements from them. Similarly, for Sri Lanka, seeing their performance against Bangladesh, it felt that there was clarity among every player, and their role have been defined by the management.

Like with Matheesha Pathirana, the team is okay with a higher economy rate, but the right-arm seamer needs to pick a wicket or two. Similarly, for the batters, a player is aware whether he needs to be aggressive or the team demands him to be an anchor.