Jayasuriya Reflects on Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours Performance
The Asia Cup 2025 campaign ended in disappointment for Sri Lanka, but head coach Sanath Jayasuriya remains optimistic about the team’s future. Despite losing all three Super Fours matches, including a dramatic last-over defeat against India, Jayasuriya believes this Sri Lanka team has the potential to go very far in the coming months.
Sri Lanka Fall Short Again Against India
Sri Lanka came agonizingly close to a famous win in their Super Fours clash against India. Chasing 203, the team needed just 12 runs in the final over with six wickets in hand. However, centurion Pathum Nissanka fell on the first ball, and the chase ended with the scores level. A missed third run by Dasun Shanaka forced the game into a Super Over, where Sri Lanka stumbled once again.
Jayasuriya dismissed suggestions of a mental block against India. He said the team’s batting lineup remains strong and the near-successful chase proves their quality. According to him, finishing matches in regular time remains a priority, and such experiences will only strengthen the side.
Nissanka and Perera Lead the Fight
A brilliant century from Pathum Nissanka was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s campaign. Battling hamstring and groin issues, he scored 107 off 58 balls and almost carried his team home. His partnership with Kusal Perera, who contributed 58 from 32 deliveries, added 127 runs and put Sri Lanka in a commanding position.
Jayasuriya praised both players for their calculated approach and commitment. He highlighted how their boundary-hitting ability kept the chase alive and reflected the team’s depth in batting.
Learning From Missed Opportunities
Despite going winless in the Super Fours, Sri Lanka impressed during the group stage with victories against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. However, Jayasuriya admitted that slow adaptation to changing conditions proved costly.
He pointed out that Sri Lanka failed to adjust quickly to pitch variations in Abu Dhabi and did not bowl effectively enough to defend competitive totals. These lessons, he said, would be crucial ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Looking Ahead With Optimism
Jayasuriya expressed satisfaction with several aspects of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign despite the results. He believes the squad has the talent and potential to compete with the best teams. With improved adaptability and better execution of plans, the coach is confident that this Sri Lanka team can achieve significant success on the global stage.
