Just five days ahead of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka has announced its final 15-member squad, introducing several notable changes from the preliminary list. As one of the co-hosts of the tournament, the island nation has sought to strike a balance between experience and emerging talent ahead of its home fixtures.
The most talked-about development is the recall of left-handed batter Kamnindu Mendis, who had been excluded from the Pakistan T20 series and was initially left out of the squad for the England series. Mendis, 27, has struggled for form since the start of 2025, scoring just 159 runs in T20 internationals at an average of 19.87 and a strike rate of 130.32. His return sees the exclusion of Dhananjaya de Silva, who had been selected primarily to bolster the bowling department but has struggled to make a significant impact in recent England and Pakistan series.
Joining Mendis in the revamped squad are Dhananjaya de Silva (reintroduced), 23-year-old promising batter Pavan Rathnayake, and Eshan Malinga, who suffered a shoulder injury during the England series. Conversely, pacer Promod Madushan has missed out. The squad also makes room for left-arm spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, a 23-year-old who, despite limited T20 experience—just six matches and seven wickets—brings extensive franchise and domestic experience to the spin department.
Rathnayake, who debuted in T20 internationals last November in Pakistan, had been dropped after a single game but impressed selectors with a century in the third ODI against England, earning a place in the squad. The young batter has 25 T20 innings at a strike rate of 100 and continues to show promise as a middle-order stabiliser.
Bowling remains a relative strength for Sri Lanka. The pace attack includes Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga, though Malinga’s participation remains slightly uncertain. The spin attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, is complemented by Wellalage, Asalanka, and Mendis.
Sri Lanka will compete in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe, with all four matches on home soil:
| Date | Venue | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Feb | Premadasa Stadium | Ireland |
| 12 Feb | Pallekele Stadium | Oman |
| 16 Feb | Pallekele Stadium | Australia |
| 19 Feb | Pallekele Stadium | Zimbabwe |
Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Squad:
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kushal Mendis, Kushal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Zenith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
With the World Cup just days away, Sri Lanka’s selectors have opted for a mix of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, hoping that home advantage and balanced team composition will help them make a significant impact in the tournament.