Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad named for Asia Cup rising stars 2025 in Qatar

Sri Lanka ‘A’ team, led by young spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, departed yesterday (12) to take part in the Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 Cricket Tournament, scheduled from November 14 to 23 in Qatar.

The 15-member squad includes experienced players such as Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Milan Ratnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Ramesh Mendis, and Promod Madushan, who have previous national team exposure. The team also features promising youngsters: hard-hitting opener Vishen Halambage, off-spinner Trevin Mathew, leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and young left-arm paceman Garuka Sanketh.

Paceman Promod Madushan, who recently featured in Sri Lanka’s ODI tour of Pakistan, will join the Sri Lanka A team after completing the three-match series.

The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong-China, while Group B includes India, Oman, Pakistan, and UAE. The tournament begins tomorrow (14) with Oman vs. Pakistan A at 12 noon, followed by India A vs. UAE at 5 pm.

The team is accompanied by head coach Avishka Gunawardena, bowling coach Chamila Gamage, fielding coach Upul Chandana, and selector-manager Tharanga Paranavithana.

Skipper Dunith Wellalage expressed confidence in his squad, emphasising that this tournament is a valuable opportunity for young players to showcase their talent. “We are a well-balanced team with a mix of experience and youth. Our goal is to take it match by match and reach the final,” he said.

Sri Lanka A will play their opening match on November 15 against Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka A Squad – Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, Qatar:

Dunith Wellalage (Capt), Nuwanidu Fernando, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Nishan Madushka, Sahan Arachchige, Vishen Halambage, Lasith Croosepulle, Sohan de Livera, Ramesh Mendis, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Trevin Mathew, Promod Madushan, Milan Ratnayake, Isitha Wijesundara, Garuka Sanketh.