Sri Lanka have recalled Kusal Mendis for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with the wicketkeeper-batter also returning as captain after missing the recent tour of England because of a hamstring injury.
Mendis replaces Charith Asalanka as Sri Lanka's T20I captain. Asalanka led the side during the England series, where Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 defeat.
The selectors have made six changes to the squad that travelled to England as Sri Lanka prepare for an important run of international cricket.
Kusal Mendis Returns as Sri Lanka Captain
Mendis missed Sri Lanka's T20I series in England after suffering a right hamstring injury.
Following his recovery, he has been recalled to the squad and will once again lead the team in the three-match series against Pakistan.
His return provides Sri Lanka with additional experience at the top of the batting order as well as another established wicketkeeping option.
The series will also give Mendis an opportunity to regain match rhythm after his injury layoff.
Sri Lanka Make Six Changes for Pakistan Series
Sri Lanka have made several changes to the squad that toured England.
Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis and Chamindu Wickramasinghe are among the players included in the updated squad.
The selectors have also included Vijayakanth Viyaskanth as a spin-bowling option.
Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been selected subject to fitness.
The changes indicate that Sri Lanka are looking to assess a combination of experienced players and emerging talent during the Pakistan series.
Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga Unavailable
Sri Lanka will be without two important members of their recent T20I setup.
Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out because of injury, while Wanindu Hasaranga is also unavailable after experiencing lower-back pain during preparations for the England tour.
Their absence leaves gaps in both Sri Lanka's batting order and all-round options.
The selectors will therefore look to other members of the squad to take on greater responsibility during the three-match series.
Sahan Arachchige Earns T20I Opportunity
Middle-order batter Sahan Arachchige has been rewarded with a place in the squad following an impressive Lanka Premier League campaign.
Arachchige scored 240 runs at an average of 34.27 and a strike rate of 147.23 during the tournament.
His ability to contribute in the middle order gives Sri Lanka another batting option as the team prepares for the Pakistan series.
Sineth Jayawardena Receives Maiden T20I Call-Up
Sri Lanka have also handed Sineth Jayawardena his maiden T20I call-up.
The top-order batter has impressed in domestic cricket, including consecutive centuries in List A and T20 cricket.
His selection gives Sri Lanka another option at the top of the order and an opportunity to assess him at international level.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad vs Pakistan
Kusal Mendis (c), Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera (subject to fitness).
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series Schedule
All three T20Is will be played at Rawalpindi.
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
1st T20I | October 9, 2026 | Rawalpindi |
2nd T20I | October 11, 2026 | Rawalpindi |
3rd T20I | October 13, 2026 | Rawalpindi |
Sri Lanka are scheduled to travel to Pakistan on October 4 ahead of the series.
What Comes After the T20I Series?
Sri Lanka's Pakistan tour will continue after the T20I series.
The team is scheduled to take part in an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England from October 18 to 31.
Sri Lanka will then play a two-Test series against Pakistan, beginning on November 9.
The busy schedule gives Sri Lanka several opportunities to assess players and combinations across all three formats.
Key Players to Watch
Kusal Mendis
The returning captain will be one of Sri Lanka's most important players during the series.
His return strengthens the batting order while also restoring continuity in the team's leadership.
Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu Mendis provides Sri Lanka with flexibility in the middle order and can contribute with both bat and ball.
His all-round ability could be valuable in the T20 format.
Dasun Shanaka
The experienced all-rounder adds depth to Sri Lanka's batting and provides another senior presence within the squad.
Maheesh Theekshana
Theekshana remains one of Sri Lanka's key spin-bowling options in T20 cricket.
His ability to bowl during the powerplay and middle overs could be important in the Rawalpindi conditions.
Sri Lanka Look to Reset After England Defeat
Sri Lanka enter the Pakistan series after a disappointing 3-0 T20I series defeat against England.
The return of Kusal Mendis gives the team a familiar figure at the top of the order and back in the captaincy role.
At the same time, the absence of Nissanka and Hasaranga will require other players to step up.
The inclusion of Sineth Jayawardena and Sahan Arachchige also provides Sri Lanka with an opportunity to assess emerging players at international level.
With three T20Is followed by an ODI tri-series and a Test series, the Pakistan tour represents a significant period for Sri Lanka's squad planning.
The first T20I will be played in Rawalpindi on October 9, followed by the second match on October 11 and the series finale on October 13.
FAQs
When is the first Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I?
The first T20I is scheduled for October 9, 2026, in Rawalpindi.
Who will captain Sri Lanka against Pakistan?
Kusal Mendis will return as Sri Lanka's captain for the T20I series.
Why did Kusal Mendis miss the England series?
Mendis missed the England T20I series after suffering a right hamstring injury.
How many changes have Sri Lanka made?
Sri Lanka have made six changes to the squad that travelled to England.
Are Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga available?
No. Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out through injury, while Wanindu Hasaranga is unavailable after experiencing lower-back pain.
Who has received a maiden T20I call-up?
Sineth Jayawardena has received his maiden T20I call-up for the Pakistan series.
Where will the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20Is be played?
All three matches are scheduled to take place at Rawalpindi.
