Maheesh Theekshana included as Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka opts to bowl against Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2025 clash: Check playing XIs

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bowl against Hong Kong in match 8 of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Sri Lanka will be confident as they are coming after a win against Bangladesh, and this win can confirm their spot for the Super 4 of the continental tournament. On the other hand, Hong Kong has had a forgetful campaign so far, as they have lost both group stage matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, respectively. The side will look to end their campaign on a winning note. 

Captains at the toss

Hong Kong captain Yasim Murtaza: To be honest, we did well against Bangladesh. There is one change. We talk about winning but it is important to have a good work ethic. Our coach says we need to take care of the work ethic, results will take care of themselves. We have a few things to work on.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka: Just looks decent. We want to chase. One change. Theekshana comes in for Pathirana. Really happy with the performance. Almost perfect game for us. Just want to keep going. We cant underestimate any team specially in the shorter formats. We need to do the basics right.

Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong playing XIs

Hong Kong (Playing XI): Zeeshan Ali(w), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Shahid Wasif, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza(c), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ehsan Khan, Ateeq Iqbal

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Squads

Hong Kong Squad: Zeeshan Ali(w), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza(c), Aizaz Khan, Kinchit Shah, Kalhan Challu, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Shahid Wasif, Nasrulla Rana, Mohammad Ghazanfar, Mohammad Waheed, Martin Coetzee, Ali Hassan

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando