Hasaranga Sidelined With Injury
Sri Lanka will travel to Zimbabwe later this week for a short ODI and T20I series, but they’ll have to do it without one of their biggest stars. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka squad for the Zimbabwe tour 2025 after suffering a hamstring injury during the recent Bangladesh tour.
It’s a big blow, considering how important Hasaranga is with both bat and ball. But the team has moved quickly, naming captains and fresh faces to take charge.
Charith Asalanka to Lead the Side
With Hasaranga out, Charith Asalanka has been handed the captaincy for both formats. He’ll lead a 16-member ODI squad and a 17-member T20I squad, giving Sri Lanka a mix of experience and youth.
Veterans like Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis make a welcome return, while promising talents such as Nuwanidu Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake get their shot in the ODI squad.
Fresh Faces in the T20I Squad
The T20I setup has a slightly different look. Alongside the regulars, youngsters like Vishen Halambage, Kamil Mishara, and Dushan Hemantha have been added. This demonstrates Sri Lanka’s intention to assess its bench strength and prepare for future tournaments.
Bowling Attack Gets a Shake-Up
Spin duties will be handled by Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay. On the pace side, the squad features Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Asitha Fernando — a group capable of troubling Zimbabwe’s batting in home conditions.
Schedule of the Series
The action begins with ODIs on August 29 and 31 in Harare, followed by a three-match T20I series from September 3 to 7 — all matches set to be played in the Zimbabwean capital.
Final Thoughts
Losing Hasaranga is a setback, but this tour also opens doors for Sri Lanka’s younger players to prove themselves. With Asalanka stepping in as captain, the series doubles up as both a challenge and an opportunity to build depth ahead of bigger tournaments later this year.
