Abu Dhabi, Sept. 13 -- As defending champions, Sri Lanka is entering this year's Asia Cup with confidence, according to Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. Though the last tournament was won by India in 2023, that edition was played in the ODI format, ahead of the 50-over World Cup, as per ESPNcricinfo.

The Asia Cup alternates formats depending on the upcoming World Cup. In 2023, it was 50 overs; this time, it is T20Is, with the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner. In fact, Sri Lanka are the reigning champions in the T20I version, having lifted the trophy back in 2022.

"Mentally, the fact that we are defending champions is a really good thing," Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said ahead of his team's first Asia Cup game, against Ban...