Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that India and Sri Lanka could contest the final of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup. Aakash Chopra said that Sri Lanka have a well-balanced squad and added that he wouldn’t be surprised if the team performed well enough to reach the summit clash alongside India.
The Asia Cup 2025 will take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. A total of eight teams will compete in the T20I format across two venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong for the continental tournament.
With just days left for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 tournament set to happen in the UAE from September 9 to 28, the eight teams are engaged in ironing out the chinks in their armour. Defending champions India are the hot favourites to win this edition as well. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team India are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, hosts UAE and Oman. Group B consist of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said Sri Lanka could very well be the team to make the finals alongside India. While earlier he predicted a group-stage exit for Bangladesh, Chopra believes the Charith Asalanka side are well-rounded and capable of fighting in any situation.
Sri Lanka are a good team- Aakash Chopra
The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as the Asia Cup 2025 is set to kick off on September 9. Fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite teams in action on UAE pitches, known for testing both batters and bowlers. As the countdown begins, several cricket experts have started analyzing team strengths, player combinations, and possible outcomes. Predictions are already flooding in regarding which teams might dominate the tournament and eventually reach the final.
Among those sharing their insights is former Indian opener Aakash Chopra, who is well known for his sharp cricketing analysis and bold predictions. Chopra has already voiced his opinion on which teams he believes will make it to the title clash.
The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is set to be played from September 9 to 28. This year, the matches will be played between eight teams in T20I format across two venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the start of the 17th edition of the premier continental event, former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted the two finalists of the Asia Cup 2025.
According to Aakash Chopra, who, after playing 10 Test matches for India, has now donned the hat of an expert and commentator, Sri Lanka could reach the finals alongside India.
Sri Lankans have won the Asia Cup title six times so far. They reached the final in 2023 and won the 2022 edition when the matches were played in T20I format.
Aakash Chopra feels the Charith Asalanka-led side have an all-condition kind of squad.
“They do have an all-condition kind of squad. Sri Lanka are a good team, and I will have to back them to qualify. I won’t be surprised if they play so well that they reach the final. It could be an India-Sri Lanka final. That is also a possibility, provided we and they play well,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra called Sri Lanka a “well-balanced” side
“The squad is looking well-balanced, where all the bases are covered, whether it’s Pathum Nissanka with Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in the middle. If we talk about all-rounders, you will see a plethora of them. They have got plenty of options in fast bowling. The spin department can be very useful in the UAE. So they are a very well-balanced team,” he added.
“This team’s speciality is that they may not be a team full of superstars, but they can become a superstar team. They have a fantastic mix of anchors and attacking batters. Pathum Nissanka can play both ways. They have got aggressive batters and Kamindu Mendis as well,” Chopra added.
Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Also Read: ENG vs IND : Shubman Gill Appointed Test Skipper For Red Ball