Sri Lanka Announce Squads for Pakistan Tour

News Desk

Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday announced the men’s squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, which includes a three-match ODI series followed by a T20I tri-series featuring hosts Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

All-rounder Charith Asalanka has been appointed captain for both formats, marking his first major assignment as Sri Lanka’s white-ball skipper as the team returns to international action.

Sri Lanka last faced Pakistan during the Asia Cup Super Fours, where Pakistan advanced to the final after a narrow victory over the islanders. Pakistan, meanwhile, enter the series after a busy home season that saw them draw the two-Test series 1-1 against South Africa, win the T20I series 2-1, and level the ongoing ODI series 1-1.

The Sri Lankan camp made a few late changes to the ODI lineup. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, initially named in the squad, was ruled out due to a knee injury and has been replaced by Eshan Malinga. Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana will also miss the tour as he recovers from an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando coming in as his replacement.

The ODI squad features a balanced mix of experience and youth, including the likes of Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Maheesh Theekshana.

The T20I side retains several familiar faces, with Dasun Shanaka named vice-captain, while power-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera return to bolster the batting lineup.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lanka T20I squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

The tour schedule and fixture details are expected to be confirmed soon by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).