Sri Lanka, with 6 titles, is the second most successful team of the tournament after India, which has won 7 Asia Cup titles. In this article, we will take a look at the batting lineup of Sri Lanka and their performances in the Asia Cup over the years.
After the establishment of the Asian Cricket Council in 1983, which was constituted to raise the standard of cricket in Asian countries. The inaugural season of the Asia Cup took place in 1984 with only 3 teams participating in it. India has won the inaugural season of the tournament. However, the Sri Lankan team was the runner-up with super performance throughout the tournament.
The Lankan team has a record of world-class spinners such as Muralidharan, Mendis and the like who had made a name for themselves due to his absolute dominance with the ball. However, Lanka was not behind in the batting department. The Lankan team has a rich history of introducing batters like Jayasuriya, Ranatunga and the like.
One of the most prosperous squads in Asia Cup history is Sri Lanka. They have triumphed in the competition five times: in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014 and 2022. Their great cricketing heritage and outstanding players are primarily responsible for their success in the event.
However, Sri Lanka has always boasted a good pool of cricketers and a strong batting order. Depending on the team’s strategy, current form, and available players, the batting order might change.
The likely squad for the upcoming Asia Cup will include players like Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (WK), Ashen Bandara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama.
Sri Lanka is one of the strongest teams in Asia followed by India and Pakistan. There is a high chance that the team is likely to dominate in the 16th edition of the major Asian tournament.
