Sri Lanka announces two squads for the Pakistan tour, but injuries to Matheesa Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka force last-minute reshuffles in the pace department, putting squad depth under the spotlight.
Sri Lanka has confirmed its ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of Pakistan starting on the 11th of this month, with Charith Asalanka appointed captain across both formats. The tour includes a three-match ODI series followed by a T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from the 19th to the 29th. However, the announcement comes with a setback as two frontline fast bowlers, Matheesa Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka, have been ruled out due to injury, weakening Sri Lanka’s quick-bowling resources at a crucial time.
Selectors appear to be balancing experience with emerging talent, while also maintaining continuity in the spin and batting units. The ODI squad is built around a core of consistent top-order players and spin all-rounders, while the T20 squad features more power-hitters and specialist death-bowlers for the shorter format. Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahish Theekshana remain the key spin duo in both squads, in what is expected to be a high-scoring tour on flat Pakistani surfaces.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad
- Charith Asalanka (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Lahiru Udara
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Pawan Ratnayake
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Mahish Theekshana
- Jeffrey Vandase
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Asitha Fernando
- Pramod Madushan
- Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka T20 Squad
- Charith Asalanka (captain)
- Dasun Shanaka (vice-captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Kamil Mishara
- Kamindu Mendis
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Janith Liyanage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Mahish Theekshana
- Dushan Hemantha
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Nuwan Thushara
- Asitha Fernando
- Eshan Malinga
With Pakistan expected to field a full-strength unit and Zimbabwe looking for an upset, Sri Lanka’s ability to adapt without two of its main pacers will be tested. The series will also provide selectors with a preview of future white-ball combinations as the team builds toward upcoming ICC events.
