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Sri Lanka will begin their campaign at the Asian Games 2026 when they take on Nepal in the third quarter-final of the men’s cricket competition on Tuesday, September 29. The match will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals. Sri Lanka received direct entry into the quarter-final stage as one of the four seeded teams, while Nepal qualified after finishing at the top of Group A.
Sri Lanka have named a 15-member squad for the tournament, with Sahan Arachchige appointed captain and Niroshan Dickwella designated as the wicketkeeper. The squad combines experienced campaigners such as Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara with several players looking to establish themselves in the T20I setup.
With a semi-final spot at stake, Sri Lanka are likely to balance their batting depth with a varied bowling attack.
Here is the predicted playing XI for their quarter-final clash against Nepal:
Niroshan Dickwella is likely to open the innings and keep wickets for Sri Lanka. The experienced left-handed batter has been specifically named as the team’s wicketkeeper for the Asian Games squad. His ability to attack during the powerplay could be important against Nepal’s new-ball bowlers.
Lasith Croospulle is expected to partner Dickwella at the top. He can provide an aggressive option alongside the more experienced wicketkeeper-batter. Sri Lanka will want their opening pair to make the most of the fielding restrictions, particularly against a Nepal attack that has already adapted to the conditions in Japan.
Nuwanidu Fernando could slot into the No. 3 position and provide stability if Sri Lanka lose an early wicket. He is also capable of accelerating once set, giving the side an additional batting option through the middle overs.
Ashen Bandara is another experienced batting option in the squad and could be entrusted with the No. 4 role. His ability to rotate the strike and play attacking shots makes him an important part of Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Captain Sahan Arachchige is likely to occupy the No. 5 position. His all-round capabilities give Sri Lanka flexibility, while his leadership will be particularly important in a knockout match. With Nepal arriving after playing two group-stage games, Arachchige will also have to ensure Sri Lanka adapt quickly to the conditions.
Chamika Karunaratne could be Sri Lanka’s key pace-bowling all-rounder at No. 6. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team balance. He could also become particularly important during the latter stages of the innings, where his power-hitting can add valuable runs.
Dushan Hemantha is likely to provide another all-round option in the lower middle order. His presence allows Sri Lanka to maintain batting depth while adding another spin-bowling option. On a surface that has shown signs of assisting slower bowlers, his role could become significant.
Wanuja Sahan could slot in as another bowling all-rounder. His inclusion would give Sri Lanka additional flexibility with their bowling combinations and allow the captain to rotate his options depending on the match situation.
Tharindu Ratnayake is expected to lead the specialist spin department alongside the other all-round options. His ability to bowl economically through the middle overs could be valuable against Nepal’s aggressive batting unit.
Binura Fernando should provide Sri Lanka with a left-arm pace option. The seamer’s ability to generate movement with the new ball can give Sri Lanka an opportunity to attack Nepal’s top order early. He has also recovered from the injury that kept him out of Sri Lanka’s recent T20I series in England and was included in the Asian Games squad.
Nuwan Thushara is expected to complete the bowling attack. His variations and yorkers make him a natural option for the death overs, while his experience in T20 cricket could prove valuable in a high-pressure knockout game.
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