Sri Lanka’s Squad and Matches for T20I World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka heads into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a balanced lineup featuring strong spin options and aggressive middle-order hitters ready to challenge top teams.
Captain: Dasun Shanaka
Vice Captain: Not Announced
Coach: Vikram Rathour
Sri Lanka Group Stage Match Schedule – T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka vs Ireland
Date: 08 February 2026
Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time: 07:00 pm
Sri Lanka vs Oman
Date: 12 February 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Time: 11:00 am
Sri Lanka vs Australia
Date: 16 February 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Time: 07:00 pm
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
Date: 19 February 2026
Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time: 03:00 am
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
Strengths:
- Powerful finisher with ability to clear boundaries easily
- Useful medium-pace bowling option
- Calm leadership under pressure
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent batting form
- Bowling can be expensive against aggressive hitters
Pathum Nissanka
Strengths:
- Technically strong top-order batter
- Excellent strike rotation
- Reliable against pace bowling
Weaknesses:
- Strike rate sometimes slower in T20s
- Can struggle accelerating quickly
Kamil Mishara
Strengths:
- Aggressive wicketkeeper-batter
- Strong powerplay scoring ability
- Good athletic fielding
Weaknesses:
- Limited international experience
- Shot selection under pressure
Kusal Mendis
Strengths:
- Natural stroke-maker
- Capable of match-winning innings
- Strong against spin and pace
Weaknesses:
- Prone to risky shots early in innings
- Inconsistent conversion into big scores
Kamindu Mendis
Strengths:
- Unique ambidextrous spin bowling
- Flexible middle-order batting
- Tactical all-round value
Weaknesses:
- Lack of T20 finishing power
- Still developing consistency
Kusal Perera
Strengths:
- Explosive attacking opener
- Dangerous powerplay striker
- Experienced match-winner
Weaknesses:
- High-risk batting style
- Injury history affecting continuity
Charith Asalanka
Strengths:
- Reliable middle-order stabilizer
- Plays spin well
- Strong game awareness
Weaknesses:
- Can slow down scoring rate
- Struggles against high-quality death bowling
Janith Liyanage
Strengths:
- Versatile batting positions
- Improves innings stability
- Good temperament
Weaknesses:
- Limited finishing experience
- Moderate boundary-hitting ability
Pavan Rathnayake
Strengths:
- Emerging batting talent
- Energetic fielding
- Attacking mindset
Weaknesses:
- Lack of international exposure
- Needs better game awareness
Wanindu Hasaranga
Strengths:
- World-class leg-spinner
- Dangerous lower-order power hitter
- Match-changing wicket-taking ability
Weaknesses:
- Can be targeted by aggressive batters
- Occasionally inconsistent batting contributions
Dunith Wellalage
Strengths:
- Accurate left-arm spin
- Useful lower-order batting
- Strong control in middle overs
Weaknesses:
- Limited T20 finishing role experience
- Still adapting to pressure matches
Maheesh Theekshana
Strengths:
- Mystery spin variations
- Effective powerplay bowler
- Excellent economy rate
Weaknesses:
- Limited batting ability
- Can struggle on batting-friendly pitches
Dushmantha Chameera
Strengths:
- Genuine pace bowler
- Strong new-ball impact
- Experience in global tournaments
Weaknesses:
- Injury concerns
- Can leak runs at death overs
Matheesha Pathirana
Strengths:
- Unique sling bowling action
- Excellent death overs specialist
- Difficult for batters to read
Weaknesses:
- Accuracy inconsistency
- Fitness and workload management
Eshan Malinga
Strengths:
- Promising fast bowling talent
- Natural wicket-taking ability
- Energetic field presence
Weaknesses:
- Limited international exposure
- Needs consistency in line and length