Sahan Arachchige

Afghanistan A clinched the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Sri Lanka A by seven wickets. Chasing 133/7, key performances by Sediqullah Atal and Karim Janat helped them reach the target with three overs to spare at Al Amerat Cricket Ground.

Afghanistan A clinched the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Sri Lanka A by seven wickets. The victory saw significant contributions from Sediqullah Atal with an unbeaten 55 and Bilal Sami with three wickets. Celebrations highlighted the nation's growing cricket prowess.

Sri Lanka's spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been sidelined from the Asia Cup final against India due to injury, as confirmed by captain Dasun Shanaka on Saturday.

It is the first time that Sri Lanka will have separate skippers for all three formats. Batting all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva, 32, will be Test skipper while Kusal Mendis, 28, will lead the ODI team and Wanidu Hasaranga, 26, will captain the Twenty20 squad.

The Galle Gladiators had fallen agonisingly short of winning the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League last year, when they went down in a closely-fought final to eventual winners Jaffna Stallions.

Dasun Shanaka has been appointed captain of Sri Lanka's preliminary 25-member squad for the T20 World Cup, replacing Charith Asalanka. The selectors cited Asalanka's recent batting struggles and Shanaka's World Cup experience as key factors in the decision. Asalanka will continue as a batter in the squad.

India A has secured a spot in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 semifinals, set to face Bangladesh A on Friday, November 21st. The tournament's final four also includes Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A. All crucial matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Sony LIV.

"Shanaka's role will be of an all-rounder. When I stopped being a selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith (Asalanka) was in our long term plans then," Wickramasingha said.

Qatar hosts the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, formerly the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, from November 14-23. This seventh edition showcases emerging talent with eight teams, including India A and Pakistan Shaheens. Matches will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and live-streamed on SonyLIV, offering fans a glimpse into Asia's future cricketing stars.

India and Sri Lanka will face off in the Asia Cup final, with India considered favorites on paper. However, Sri Lanka's home advantage and the support of their passionate fans could give them an edge. Sri Lanka has a strong record against India in tournament finals, and their spinners have troubled India's batsmen in the past. India will be without injured Axar Patel, but the return of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli will boost their chances.

The 2026 Men's T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, with defending champions India placed in Group A. The tournament kicks off on February 7, and teams are divided into four groups, with the top two advancing to the Super 8 stage. India won the 2024 T20 World Cup title beating South Africa in the final.