Sri Lanka Announces Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka has made a significant decision ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by including Kamindu Mendis in their 15-player squad while dropping Dhananjaya de Silva, who had recently returned to the T20 format. Although Mendis’s recent performance has not been stellar—scoring 540 runs in 35 T20 internationals with a strike rate of 124.71—the selectors are confident that his experience can provide stability to the team’s middle order during the tournament.
Dhananjaya’s exclusion comes after he averaged just 43 runs in three matches this year and took only one wicket, leading the selectors to seek more reliable alternatives for the World Cup.
The team will be captained by Dasun Shanaka, whose leadership and all-round capabilities are critical to the squad’s strength. The batting lineup appears solid, featuring players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and the seasoned Kusal Janith Perera.
Young left-handed batsman Pavan Rathnayake has also secured a spot in the squad, thanks to his impressive performances, including a remarkable 121 in the second ODI against England and a quick 40 runs off just 22 balls in the second T20I against the same team.
Key Players Missing from the Squad
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka has strong spin options with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, complemented by fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana. However, Pramod Madushan, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando did not make the final selection.
Sri Lanka has been placed in Group B, alongside teams like Ireland, Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe. They will play their matches in Colombo and Pallekele, and as co-hosts, are counting on home support as they aim to recreate past successes—having been runners-up in 2009 and 2012, and winning the title in 2014 against India.
Sri Lanka’s Squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:
- Dasun Shanaka (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Charith Asalanka
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Dunith Wellalage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Eshan Malinga
With this lineup, Sri Lanka aims to make a strong impression in the upcoming tournament.
