• Source:JND

Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team: Keeping the preparations of the T20 World Cup 2026 in consideration, Sri Lanka have named their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Notably, the series will begin on January 7, featuring three games as all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead the side.

It is also worth noting that Sri Lanka are the co-host of the T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India, with the tournament kicking off on February 7.

Interestingly, as many as 13 players from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad have been retained for this tournament. Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka will feature in this year's edition as well.

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The last time these two teams faced off, Pakistan won the final of a T20I tri-series held in Rawalpindi.

As Sri Lanka continues to work on their preparations, Pakistan will pose a viable challenge for them in the series. The second and third games will follow on January 9 and 11, respectively. All three matches will take place at the same venue in Dambulla.

Lasith Malinga As Fast Bowling Consultant

In the build-up to the World Cup, the Lankans have also appointed the legendary pacer Lasith Malinga as a fast bowling consultant for 40 days, effective from December 15 to January 25, 2026.

Malinga has served as a fast-bowling consultant on two official occasions, but has also provided informal guidance to top bowlers over the years. For the past two years, he has been offering advice to the coaching staff led by Sanath Jayasuriya.

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Sri Lanka T20I squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Inputs from Agency


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