Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga have been named in Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, announced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday, February 2. Dasun Shanaka will captain the 2014 champions in the upcoming ICC event.
The squad sees the inclusion of Kamindu Mendis, while Pramod Madushan and Dhananjaya de Silva have been left out. Key players include Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, and Kusal Mendis, with Mendis and Dunith Wellage providing added all-round options.
The bowling lineup features Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera alongside Pathirana and Hasaranga. Sri Lanka are currently hosting England in a T20I series. After narrow defeats in the first two matches by 11 runs and six wickets, they will aim to finish strong with a victory in the third T20I.
Sri Lanka squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka Set To Face Ireland In 2026 T20 World Cup Opener
Sri Lanka will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo, before taking on Oman, Australia, and Zimbabwe on February 12 and 16 at Pallekele, and February 19 in Colombo, respectively.
In the previous T20 World Cup in 2024, the team was eliminated in the group stage, securing just one win against the Netherlands by 83 runs, while losing to South Africa and Bangladesh by six and two wickets. Their match against Nepal was abandoned due to rain.
Additionally, Sri Lanka finished second-last in the 2023 ODI World Cup, winning only two of nine matches. With these results behind them, the team will aim to deliver a stronger performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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