Credit: IANS/X/Google
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold feels Team India are the favourites to win the Asia Cup 2025 but his team also has the potential to bag the title. Sri Lanka are the second most successful side in the Asia Cup, with six trophy wins. In 2022, when the continental tournament was conducted in the T20I format for the second time, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against Dasun Shanaka by beating Pakistan in the final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This time, Charith Asalanka is holding the reins and he will look to extract the desired results from his team.
Arnold believes Sri Lanka have a balanced side and the Asia Cup is the perfect opportunity for the Asalanka-led side to know where they are in multilateral tournaments. “The balance looks good. Hence, I think it's a great stepping stone for them to see exactly where they are. If you get things right, I think they've got the goods to go all the way,” remarked Arnold to IANS in a conversation convened by Sony Sports Network, the official broadcasters of the upcoming Asian event.
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Russel Arnold shows faith in Pathum Nissanka for Asia Cup
Russel Arnold has shown confidence in opener Pathum Nissanka, who has looked disciplined with his bat in 2025. “He tends to surprise me with the power that he has and how quickly he can score. He plays good shots, not like most of the other batters, who, when they are looking for runs, kind of swing off their feet. I think that's what allows him to go on and score consistently,” added the former Sri Lanka all-rounder.
Discussing Nissanka’s performance in T20Is in 2025, he has played five contests, in which he racked up 189 runs at a fine strike rate of 147.65. Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Bangladesh, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on September 13.
