Former Sri Lankan cricketer Thisara Perera has expressed his confidence in the national team’s ability to reclaim the T20 Asia Cup title. Sri Lanka, the defending champions, will be looking to continue their dominance in the upcoming tournament set to take place in Dubai from September 9 to 28. The event will feature eight teams battling it out in the T20I format, serving as crucial preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year.
Perera, in an interview with ANI, highlighted the talent within the young Sri Lankan squad. “Yes, of course, because we are on the right track, and we are playing simple cricket. Definitely, we can have a chance to again win the Asia Cup,” he said. The team’s recent performances, including a competitive series against Bangladesh, have bolstered this optimism.
Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh, a team that handed them a 2-1 defeat in a three-match T20I series just last July. Despite that setback, Perera believes the squad has what it takes to bounce back. With India and Pakistan also in the mix, the competition promises to be intense, but Sri Lanka’s blend of youth and experience could be their trump card.
While India and Pakistan have already announced their squads, the other participating teams are yet to do so. This will be the third edition of the T20 Asia Cup, with India winning the inaugural title in 2016. Sri Lanka’s recent form in ODIs, including a 2-1 series win over Bangladesh, adds to their credentials as strong contenders.
In other news, Sri Lanka announced a 16-member ODI squad for their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. The series, starting on August 29, will consist of two ODIs and three T20Is. However, star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the tour due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Bangladesh series.
The squad for Zimbabwe includes captain Charith Asalanka, along with players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Maheesh Theekshana. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, Sri Lanka’s cricketing future looks bright. The Asia Cup will be a key test of their progress, and if Perera’s words are anything to go by, they are ready for the challenge.