COLOMBO: Hosts Sri Lanka have officially revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. The tournament will run until March 8, with Sri Lanka co-hosting the global event alongside India.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the squad on Monday, placing its confidence in all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who will continue as captain after being named skipper in the preliminary lineup announced last December. The selection reflects a blend of international experience and emerging talent, aiming to capitalize on home conditions during the marquee event.
The batting unit appears well-settled and formidable, featuring established names such as Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Pathum Nissanka. These players are expected to anchor the top and middle order, providing both stability and attacking intent. Their familiarity with local pitches could prove crucial as Sri Lanka look to make a deep run in the tournament.
In the bowling department, Sri Lanka have assembled a potent mix of pace and spin. Express pacer Matheesha Pathirana headlines the fast-bowling attack alongside Eshan Malinga and the experienced Dushmantha Chameera. The pace trio will be backed by two of the most effective spinners in world cricket, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, both of whom have consistently delivered match-winning performances in T20 formats.
One of the notable talking points from the squad announcement is the omission of Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva. Despite being part of the recent England series, de Silva did not make the final cut. Instead, selectors opted for in-form batter Pavan Rathnayake, signaling a focus on current T20 performances and adaptability to the shortest format.
Sri Lanka, champions of the 2014 T20 World Cup, have been drawn into Group B, where they will compete against Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. The group presents a mix of high-profile clashes and potential banana skins, making consistency a key requirement for progression.
The hosts will kick off their campaign on February 8 with an opening match against Ireland. They will then face Oman on February 12, followed by a highly anticipated encounter against Australia on February 16. Sri Lanka will conclude their group-stage fixtures with a match against Zimbabwe.
With home support, familiar conditions, and a well-balanced squad, Sri Lanka will be aiming to replicate past success and mount a strong challenge for the T20 World Cup title in 2026.
Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
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’s group stage fixtures:
February 8: v Ireland, Colombo
February 12: v Oman, Pallekele
February 16: v Australia, Pallekele
February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo
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