Sri Lanka Cricket announces squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, Dunith Wellalage to lead

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, to be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 14 to 23. Talented left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has been appointed as the captain of the Sri Lanka A team, marking another milestone in his growing leadership career.

The tournament, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), will bring together the most promising young cricketers from across Asia, offering a platform for future international stars to showcase their skills.

Dunith Wellalage to lead a balanced and promising squad

Under the leadership of Dunith Wellalage, Sri Lanka A will feature a balanced mix of emerging talent and experienced players who have already represented the national side in recent months. Wellalage, known for his sharp left-arm spin and composed batting, has quickly become one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent all-rounders in limited-overs cricket.

Joining him in the squad are established names like Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando and Ramesh Mendis, all of whom have contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s recent domestic and international campaigns.

SLC’s selectors have emphasized the importance of giving young players competitive exposure, with the Rising Stars Asia Cup serving as a crucial stepping stone toward senior team selection.

The Sri Lanka A squad is packed with multi-dimensional players capable of performing across all conditions. Among the exciting prospects is Vishen Halambage, a 20-year-old all-rounder yet to make his international debut but already gaining attention in domestic cricket for his versatility and power-hitting.

The spin department looks formidable, featuring Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Sahan Arachchige, both known for their control and wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Milan Rathnayake and Ramesh Mendis will add balance as dependable all-rounders.

Pramod Madushan, who has previously featured in Sri Lanka’s senior team, will lead the seam attack, supported by Garuka Sanketh and Isitha Wijesundara. The squad’s combination of youth and experience reflects Sri Lanka’s ongoing commitment to building depth in its cricketing structure.

Group A challenge: Sri Lanka to face Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong

Sri Lanka A have been drawn in Group A of the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, alongside Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A and Hong Kong. The team will begin its campaign on November 15 against Afghanistan A, followed by matches against Hong Kong on November 17 and Bangladesh A on November 19.

These fixtures promise to test the adaptability and temperament of Sri Lanka’s young cricketers against strong regional opponents. The top-performing teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

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Sri Lanka A for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

Dunith Wellalage (c), Vishen Halambage, Nishan Madushka (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, Lasith Croospulle, Ramesh Mendis, Kavindu de Livera, Sahan Arachchige, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Pramod Madushan, Garuka Sanketh, Isitha Wijesundara, Milan Rathnayake, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew.

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