Kusal Mendis to lead 15-member squad as Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga miss out through injury
Sri Lanka have confirmed a 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis named captain for the opening leg of their multi-format tour.
The T20I series will begin on October 9, marking the start of a demanding tour of Pakistan that runs through November 21.
Mendis Leads Batting Group
Mendis heads a batting group that includes Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, with Chamindu Wickramasinghe adding depth.
The Sri Lankan captain enters the series in strong form after an impressive tour of England.
Mendis scored 198 runs in three outings, including a superb 121 in the second ODI, and will be expected to anchor Sri Lanka’s batting against Pakistan.
Spin and Pace Options
Sri Lanka have selected a varied bowling attack for the T20I series.
Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth provide the team’s spin options, while the pace attack includes Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga.
Nissanka and Hasaranga Ruled Out
Sri Lanka will be without two key players for the T20I leg.
Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga have both been ruled out due to injuries.
The pair could return for the upcoming ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England, subject to receiving fitness clearance.
Their absence leaves Sri Lanka with opportunities to assess alternative combinations ahead of the longer white-ball campaign.
Multi-Format Tour Begins
The T20I series forms the opening part of Sri Lanka’s multi-format tour of Pakistan, which runs from October 9 to November 21.
Following the three T20Is, Sri Lanka will participate in a five-match ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England.
The tour will then conclude with a two-match Test series against Pakistan.
The Test matches will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, adding further significance to an already busy tour for Sri Lanka.
With Mendis leading a squad featuring a blend of established players and emerging options, Sri Lanka will look to begin the tour strongly against Pakistan before turning their attention to the ODI tri-series and World Test Championship assignments.
Sri Lanka T20I squad v Pakistan: Kusal Mendis (C), 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, Eshan Malinga.
Sri Lanka v Pakistan T20I schedule:
- First T20I: October 9
- Second T20I: October 11
- Third T20I: October 13
* All matches to take place in Rawalpindi.
