Sri Lanka’s cricketing journey at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou promises to be a tale of two teams, each with its own story to tell.
In the men’s camp, Sahan Arachchige, the fresh face of Sri Lankan cricket, will lead a squad of rising stars and promising talents. It’s a challenging task for Arachchige, who only recently made his international debut in 2023. Ashen Bandara, a seasoned middle-order batter with over 10 international appearances, will be the guiding force. Nuwan Thushara and Nuwanidu Fernando add their international experience to the mix, offering valuable insights to the squad.
On the flip side, the women’s team, led by the indomitable Chamari Athapattu, is a force to be reckoned with. This squad is a familiar one, predominantly composed of the T20I heroes who etched their names in history during their triumphant tour of England earlier in the month. Their victory marked Sri Lanka’s first-ever series win against England in any format. With the likes of Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani, this team embodies the spirit of determination and excellence.
As the Asian Games unfold, these two squads will carry the hopes and dreams of Sri Lankan cricket enthusiasts. The men’s team, driven by ambition and youthful vigour, will look to make a statement on the international stage. Meanwhile, the women’s team, brimming with confidence after their historic feat, aims to continue their winning streak and inspire a new generation of female cricketers.
Sri Lanka’s cricketing tale in Hangzhou is one of contrast, but it’s a testament to the diverse and thriving cricketing talent in the island nation. Whether it’s the men’s team forging a path to prominence or the women’s team reaffirming their supremacy, Sri Lanka’s cricketing spirit remains undaunted. These Asian Games will undoubtedly be a chapter worth remembering in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket history.
Men’s Squad:
Lasith Croospulle, Shevon Daniel, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige (C), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Lahiru Udara (WK), Ravindu Fernando, Ranitha Liyanarachchi, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sachitha Jayatilaka, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Nimesh Vimukthi, Lahiru Samarakoon, Nuwan Thushara, Isitha Wijesundera
Women’s Squad:
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Anushka Sanjeewani, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Achini Kulasooriya, Inoshi Fernando
