Sri Lanka Cricket Announces 18-Member Squad for Pakistan T20I Series
Sri Lanka Cricket unveiled its 18-member squad on Tuesday for the forthcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, scheduled to start on Wednesday, 7 January at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The home series — comprising games on January 7, 9 and 11 — doubles as the final competitive assignment before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.
Captainship and Team Balance
All-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the side, bringing experience and tactical acumen to a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with dynamic youngsters. Sri Lanka has opted for a balanced unit, with depth across batting, spin and pace — an approach aimed at sharpening combinations and assessing bench strength ahead of the global tournament.
The selectors have retained core performers such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga, while also giving opportunities to emerging talents, underlining the board’s strategy of preparing backups for World Cup pressures.
Squad List: Sri Lanka T20I Squad vs Pakistan
Sri Lanka’s 18-member squad for the Pakistan series:
- Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Charith Asalanka
- Janith Liyanage
- Kamindu Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushan Hemantha
- Traveen Mathew
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Nuwan Thushara
- Eshan Malinga
This lineup features a mix of attacking batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and a variety of bowling threats. The spin department, led by Hasaranga and Theekshana, looks primed to exploit subcontinental conditions, while the pace attack blends experience with raw pace and bounce from bowlers like Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana.
Key Inclusions and Tactical Depth
- Dhananjaya de Silva, a seasoned campaigner across formats, returns to bolster the middle order and adds flexibility with both bat and ball.
- Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage offer solidity and finishing ability in the batting lineup.
- Young talents like Kamil Mishara and Traveen Mathew have been rewarded for their domestic T20 performances, giving selectors alternative options for crunch situations.
Series Significance
The Pakistan series comes at a crucial juncture. With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan see these matches as dress rehearsals to finalize their best XI combinations, test strategic options, and build momentum in match conditions. The series will be especially valuable for players on the fringes of World Cup selection, offering them a platform to stake a claim.
Sri Lanka’s selectors have shown intent to explore bench strength while maintaining a competitive core, balancing experience with youthful exuberance as they eye success in the T20 World Cup co-hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
