Sri Lanka's SWOT analysis [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com]
Summary: Sri Lanka is all set to participate in the Asia Cup 2025. The squad has been announced for the tournament. Here is a look at the full squad, their strengths and weaknesses and chances of winning the title.
Sri Lanka enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the second most successful team in the tournament with 6 victories already, after India's 8 wins. As Charith Asalanka is all set to lead Sri Lanka's squad we take a look at the squad and try to analyse their strengths and odds of winning the title.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup boasts depth and flexibility. The top order features in‐form Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera, all of them adept at rotating strike and building platforms and the middle order is led by captain Charith Asalanka. Hence, Sri Lanka's chance to get an upper hand with the bat always ticks the box.
Players
Matches
Runs
Average
SR
Pathum Nissanka
66
1909
30.79
122.68
Kusal Mendis
82
2045
25.88
131.68
Kusal Perera
81
2084
27.06
132.65
Good Backing From Middle Order
With a strong pair opening at the top. In the middle, captain Charith Asalanka marshals the innings with composure, while Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis offer finishing power. With the latter in the scene, Sri Lanka's all-rounder department is pretty appreciable too, as Hasaranaga also possesses the capability to hit with the bat at the tail.
Players
Player Type
Matches
Average
SR
Dasun Shanaka
All-Rounder
106
19.96
122.73
Charith Asalanka
All-Rounder
62
23.40
127.67
Kamindu Mendis
All-Rounder
25
21.09
129.53
The table above elaborates how much strength Sri Lanka posses in their middle-order's batting ability.
Three of these players have batting prowess with these all-rounders often proving to be match-winners.
All of them have played significant no. of matches and boasts average above 19 to prove their contribution.
All three players have a strike rate above 122 which implies their effectiveness in crunch situations.
Out of the 16-man squad of Sri Lanka, only Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage are able to turn games with their spin, with the latter being significantly inexperienced in major tournaments. Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis might strike with the ball, but the chance for them to shine against strong opponents in the Asia Cup is less.
Players
Player Type
Matches
Wickets
Economy
Charith Asalanka
All-Rounder
62
6
8.67
Kamindu Mendis
All-Rounder
25
3
8.00
Dunith Wellalage
Spin Bowler
4
6
5.87
Inconsistent And Relatively Inexperienced Pace Attack
Sri Lanka’s pace attack remains relatively inexperienced when compared to other opponents. While Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara provide seam options, the absence of a perennial express-paced leader could blunt the new-ball threat. Dushmantha Chameera brings experience but has been prone to expensive spells. Matheesha Pathirana is a great option but might falter in front of high-pressure situations.
Players
Matches
Wickets
Economy
Binura Fernando
23
22
8.36
Nuwan Thushara
22
30
7.92
Matheesha Pathirana
19
30
8.44
Dushmantha Chameera
56
58
8.07
Brittle Lower Order
The lower middle order can also be brittle if early wickets tumble. Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka bat aggressively but have struggled for consistency under pressure. T20 tournaments always need strong finishers who can be relied to deliver in times of need. While Mendis has been in good form recently, Shanaka and Hasaranga need to up their game with the bat to stand up for the team in crunch situations.
Opportunities For Sri Lanka In Asia Cup 2025
Suitable Conditions To Play In UAE
Sri Lankan batters might be able to get a good grip with the bat in the UAE because of the similar conditions that they have with their pitches in Sri Lanka. With the top order of Sri Lanka able to handle spin and pace equally, and spinners in the mix who can utilise the conditions in the UAE under the lights, Sri Lanka can emerge as favourites.
For example, Hasaranga and Theekshana can control middle overs, create pressure, and seize wickets on slow, low-bounce pitches. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana’s recent breakthroughs in franchise T20s show he is capable of extracting unexpected bounce, a useful X-factor in neutral venues. The combination of left-arm orthodox from Wellalage and versatile off-break from Mendis further enriches their spin arsenal.
Risks For Sri Lanka In Asia Cup 2025
Middle Order Collapse And the UAE Test
While Sri Lanka's top order remains a solid foundation of their team strength, a middle-order batting collapse could slide them straight from the top to bottom. Sri Lanka's adaptability to the gulf between subcontinental slow pitches and any unexpectedly quicker or bouncier tracks in the UAE is yet untested in this tournament setting.
Dependencies For Sri Lanka In Asia Cup 2025
Performance From Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Hasaranga And Asalanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka and Dushmantha Chameera form the core of Sri Lanka's attack with the bat and the ball. Their performance will set the tone of the game, irrespective of the team batting or bowling first.
If Nissanka and Mendis perform at the top and build a good score, pressure will be released from the middle order, and players like Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis can also score well. The bowling department will rely on the experiences of Hasaranga, Chameera and Theekshana.
Conclusion
The 6 times champions are no joke for their seventh bid for the Asia Cup title. They are among the top three contenders for the trophy and can give a strong fight to strong opponents like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Hence, if their batting and spin departments click, they can outperform other teams with ease.
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Sri Lanka's SWOT analysis [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com]
