Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting October 9 in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis appointed captain for the opening leg of the side’s multi-format tour.
Mendis will spearhead Sri Lanka’s batting lineup after producing an impressive run of form during the team’s recent tour of England. The captain scored 198 runs across three matches, including a commanding 121 in the second ODI.
The squad also features Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Chamindu Wickramasinghe. Several players selected for the T20I squad are also currently involved in Sri Lanka’s Asian Games campaign.
Arachchige, Jayawardena and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth are part of Sri Lanka’s Asian Games contingent and are scheduled to compete for the bronze medal against Bangladesh on October 3. Their availability for the Pakistan series will follow the conclusion of their Asian Games commitments.
Sri Lanka have included a mix of experienced and emerging options in their bowling department. Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana and Viyaskanth provide spin choices, while Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga make up the pace attack.
Asitha Fernando is absent from the squad despite being Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker in their recent ODI series against England, where he claimed seven wickets.
Sri Lanka will also be without two key players, Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who are recovering from injuries. Both players could return for the ODI tri-series if they receive the necessary fitness clearance.
The T20I series will begin on October 9, followed by the second match on October 11 and the final game on October 13. All three matches will be played in Rawalpindi.
The T20Is will mark the start of Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan, which runs until November 21. The teams will subsequently feature in a five-match ODI tri-series involving England before meeting in a two-Test series.
The Test matches will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga.