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Sri Lanka Name 16-Man Squad for T20I Series vs England, Shanaka to Lead

Sri Lanka has announced a 16-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, with Dasun Shanaka continuing as captain. The squad largely retains the core group from their recent series against Pakistan. This series serves as crucial final preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The announcement follows an ODI series where England triumphed 2-1, ending Sri Lanka's long unbeaten home streak in bilateral ODI series.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Squad for T20I Series vs England Announced

  • Dasun Shanaka retained as captain
  • Core group from Pakistan series retained
  • Series is final prep for T20 World Cup 2026
  • England won preceding ODI series 2-1
2 min read

Sri Lanka name 16-player squad for T20I series against England, Dasun Shanaka to lead

Sri Lanka names 16-player T20I squad led by Dasun Shanaka for the England series, final prep before the T20 World Cup. Full squad list inside.

"The series will serve as the final preparatory assignment for both sides ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - ICC"

Colombo, January 28

Sri Lanka have named a 16-player squad for the three-match T20I series against England, set to begin on January 30 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The T20I series comes on the back of a three-match ODI contest between the two teams, which England won 2-1.

Dasun Shanaka will remain at the helm, with Sri Lanka sticking to the core group that featured in their recent series against Pakistan, as per the ICC website. The series will serve as the final preparatory assignment for both sides ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which starts on February 7.

Sri Lanka squad for the three-match T20I series against England:

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

The three-match T20I series will get underway with the first game onJanuary 30, followed by the second T20I on February 1, and the third and final match on February 3, with all three fixtures scheduled to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Coming to the ODI series, Sri Lanka won the first match by 19 runs to take a 1-0 lead but England bounced back with a five-wicket win to level the series. In the series-decider, Harry Brook's 66-ball 136 runs knock helped England post a mammoth 357/3 in 50 overs, alongside veteran Joe Root's 111-run knock off 108 balls.

Brook and Root shared an unbroken 191-run partnership for the fourth wicket that completely shifted momentum in England's favour as the Three Lions piled on 130 runs in the final 10 overs, eventually posting their highest-ever ODI total against Sri Lanka.

The victory ended Sri Lanka's remarkable run of 12 consecutive unbeaten bilateral ODI series at home, their last defeat coming against India in 2021. Only South Africa (17 between 2002 and 2009) and India (13 between 1988 and 2000) have recorded longer unbeaten home streaks in men's ODIs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
That ODI series loss must have hurt, ending a 12-series unbeaten streak at home is a big deal. But T20 is a different beast. England's batting looks scary after that Brook & Root show. SL's spinners need to step up big time on these pitches.
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Aman W
As an Indian fan, always enjoy watching SL play at home. Their cricket has so much heart. But honestly, the squad looks a bit light on power-hitting in the middle order for T20s against a team like England. Miss someone like a prime Mathews in that lineup.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Eshan Malinga in the squad! Is he related to the great Lasith? Big shoes to fill if so. This series is perfect preparation for both teams. The Pallekele pitch should be a good contest between bat and ball.
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Karthik V
Harry Brook's innings was brutal. SL's bowlers were taken to the cleaners. Hope they have a plan for him in the T20s. On a side note, it's great for cricket that SL are building a solid team again. A strong SL team is good for the sport. All the best to them!
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Nikhil C
The schedule is so tight! Final prep for the T20 World Cup starts now. SL need to find their best XI quickly. Wanindu Hasaranga is the key player for me - with both bat and ball. If he fires, SL can beat anyone.

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