As the T20 Asia Cup kicks off on September 9, all eyes are on Sri Lanka, a team that made history by winning the title in the UAE in 2022. This year, Sri Lanka looks like a side that could surprise everyone and deliver some exciting cricket.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold shared his thoughts exclusively with India Today and NDTV. He praised Sri Lanka’s recent team-building efforts, noting that players are settling into their roles and the team’s balance is looking good. Arnold believes this tournament will help them understand exactly where they stand and has the potential for Sri Lanka to go all the way if everything clicks.
Key Players and Team Strategy
Arnold highlighted Pathum Nissanka, who has been in fantastic form across ODIs and Tests. He’s a smooth, focused batter with the ability to score quickly and consistently. Nissanka’s calm personality and sharp batting make him a key player for Sri Lanka in the T20 format, and Arnold thinks he can carry his good form into this tournament.
Sri Lanka is still searching for the perfect number four batter. Nuwanidu Fernando is currently in the mix, but he’s yet to fully prove himself on the international stage. Most of Sri Lanka’s top opening players are used to batting early, which makes filling the middle order a challenge. Finding versatile middle-order players will be vital for their success.
Arnold also discussed key players like Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga. He feels that if Hasaranga, coming back from a hamstring injury, is fit and firing, Sri Lanka’s bowling and all-round strength will improve significantly. His presence adds much-needed variety to their spin attack.
Pace Attack and Team Balance
Regarding fast bowlers, Arnold weighs in on Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara. Pathirana is known for his pace and X-factor, especially at the end of innings, but Arnold suggests he needs to develop more skills to be effective in different situations. Thushara, with his slower balls and ability to swing the ball early, offers strategic options for various stages of the game. Arnold trusts having a good mix of fast bowlers to adapt to different conditions.
Preparation for the T20 World Cup
Many see this Asia Cup as a crucial warm-up ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Arnold agrees that Sri Lanka is still experimenting but also has a solid core of experienced players. The team is trying to settle into their best playing XI before the big global tournament.
Tough Group Challenges
Sri Lanka’s Group B features tough opponents like Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Arnold points out that Afghanistan has improved their batting lineup along with their formidable spin bowlers like Rashid Khan. Their all-round abilities make them a dangerous contender. Bangladesh is also a strong team, having recently beaten Sri Lanka in a home series. Arnold believes Sri Lanka will need to bring their best cricket to qualify from this group, with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka likely to progress.
Strong Contenders and India’s Form
Arnold also spoke about Group A, where India is looking very strong. He noted India’s impressive record over the past two years, losing only a handful of matches in over 50 games. With stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav back in form, India is the favorite to lift the trophy. Arnold predicts India and Pakistan will be the teams to watch in the Super Fours.
Don’t miss the exciting 2025 Asia Cup, starting September 9, live on Sony Sports channels like Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 3 Hindi, Ten 4 Tamil, and Telugu. It promises action-packed cricket with some of the best teams in Asia battling for glory!
Stay tuned for more updates and cricket insights as the tournament unfolds!
