Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its squad consisting of 18 players for the T20I series against Pakistan comprising three matches to be played, with the first one kicking off on January 7, 2024.
The series is an important part of Pakistan’s visit to Sri Lanka, and the matches are going to happen at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, which is a great opportunity for both teams to prepare for international affairs.
Captain Dasun Shanaka, with no surprises for the T20 World Cup 2026 template, condenses the lineup of the powerful squad.
Sri Lanka opts for Dasun Shanaka from the World Cup 2026 roster.
The selectors of the SLC seem to have their eye on the spin-friendly conditions and also on the versatile all-rounders as the main reason why the squad is full of players speculated from the T20 World Cup 2026.
The Dambulla pitch, which is characterized by a dry turning surface that very much attracts spinners but gives them the advantage of slow and high bounce, will have a well-equipped arsenal.
Since 2025, Pathum Nissanka, with his average of 36.8, will be calling the shots at the top order with Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis in support. Dasun Shanaka will take on the role of an all-rounder, supported by skilled like Charith Asalanka.
With the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga will be the main attraction, while Dushmantha Chameera, who has claimed 22 wickets with a mean of 18.4 in 2025, will be the one to drive the pace assault. One of the possible players in the starting XI is Matheesha Pathirana, who will be back after the Asia Cup 2025 and be eager to impress before the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan T20Is
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are getting ready for the World Cup
Though the teams are looking forward to a great battle, the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026 is a good practice for them ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Both sides will want to be at their best, with Sri Lanka being the location of this ICC mega event.
Pakistan will have a quick and highly realistic practice just before February which is very close to the start of the World Cup. The first match for Pakistan is going to be on February 7 against the Netherlands, while Sri Lanka is going to meet Ireland on February 8 for their first match.
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