Sri Lanka's Asia Cup match schedule, full squad and everything you need to know

The second-most successful team in Asia Cup history, Sri Lanka, have not made the final since 2014. This time too, they are the underdogs. Some might even pick Afghanistan to make more noise in the Asia Cup 2022 than the team that has tasted immense success in the past. But don't sleep on the Islanders just yet. The country might be tottering to relive its great cricketing past for some time now but this tournament provides them the platform to show the cricketing fraternity that they are moving in the right direction and also give their fans back home a much-needed joy amidst the economic and political turmoil.

The Lankans were dealt with a body blow when ace paceman Dushmantha Chameera was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Sri Lanka are bound to miss Chameera's services but they still have enough ammunition in the tank.

Most of the bowlers in their squad ply their skill in overseas T20 leagues. Their mystic and subtle variations are suited for the shortest format of the game. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana would enjoy bowling in spin-friendly conditions in the UAE. If the other bowlers hold their end of the bargain, Sri Lanka will prove a tough team to beat.

In batting, a lot will depend on experience campaigners like Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis but it is the youth in their batting department that brings X-factor. Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have already displayed their prowess with the bat. Then there is the captain Dasun Shanaka, who has the knack for playing match-winning knocks with the bat.

The five-time champions will start their campaign on August 27 (Saturday) against a very competitive Afghanistan side.

Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ashen Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Schedule:

August 27: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (Group B) in Dubai

September 1: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (Group B) in Dubai