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Sri Lanka Names T20I Squad vs Pakistan, Led by Shanaka for World Cup Prep

Sri Lanka has announced its T20I squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, a crucial part of their final preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The squad, captained by Dasun Shanaka, retains 13 players from the previous World Cup squad while integrating some new faces. The team has also appointed legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga as a fast-bowling consultant for a 40-day period leading up to the tournament. The three-match series against Pakistan begins on January 7 in Dambulla.

Key Points: Sri Lanka T20I Squad vs Pakistan Announced for World Cup Prep

  • Squad announced for Pakistan T20Is
  • Key World Cup preparation series
  • Lasith Malinga appointed bowling consultant
  • 13 players retained from 2024 WC squad
2 min read

Dasun Shanaka to leak Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan T20Is

Sri Lanka reveals T20I squad for Pakistan series, a key step in finalizing their team for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

"The series against Pakistan offers Sri Lanka a vital opportunity to refine their team combinations and gain momentum. - Report"

New Delhi, Jan 6

Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, a key part of their preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which kicks off on February 7.

The team, captained by Dasun Shanaka, brings together a blend of seasoned players and fresh faces. Some players in this squad weren't included in Sri Lanka's earlier preliminary World Cup squad, adding an extra layer of competition as the team finalises its selections ahead of the global tournament.

Thirteen players from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad have been retained for the next tournament. These include Shanaka, Hasaranga, Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka.

With the World Cup approaching rapidly, the series against Pakistan offers Sri Lanka a vital opportunity to refine their team combinations and gain momentum against a strong opponent.

The last time these two sides met, Pakistan triumphed in the final of a T20I tri-series held in Rawalpindi.

As Sri Lanka continue to fine-tune their preparations, Pakistan, still to announce their World Cup squad, will provide a formidable challenge. The series will begin on January 7 with the first match, followed by the second and third on January 9 and 11, respectively. All three games will be played at the same venue in Dambulla.

In the build-up to the World Cup, the Lankans have also appointed the legendary pacer Lasith Malinga as a fast bowling consultant for a 40-day period, 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.

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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, this is a great series to watch before the World Cup. Sri Lanka's bowling attack with Pathirana, Theekshana, and now with Malinga's guidance could be very dangerous. Exciting times for T20 cricket!
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Vikram M
Malinga as a consultant is a masterstroke! His yorkers were legendary. If he can pass on even 10% of that skill to Pathirana and Thushara, Sri Lanka will have a deadly death bowling pair for the World Cup. All the best to the Lankan lions!
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Priya S
The batting looks a bit thin, no? Very dependent on Nissanka, Asalanka, and the Mendises. Pakistan's pace attack might exploit that. Hope they use this series to find the right combinations. The matches in Dambulla should be good.
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Rohit P
Honestly, I feel they are still experimenting too close to the World Cup. The core 13 from the last squad is fine, but bringing in completely new faces now shows some uncertainty in planning. Hope it works out for them.
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Kavya N
Excited to see Kamindu Mendis get a proper run. He's a talented all-rounder. This series is more important for Sri Lanka than for Pakistan, I think. They need to build confidence. May the best team win! 🏏

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