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Key Takeaways
- 1🏏 Dasun Shanaka will captain Sri Lanka's 16-member squad for the England T20I series
- 2📅 All three T20Is will be played at Pallekele Cricket Stadium from January 30 to February 3
- 3🔄 Sri Lanka retained their core squad from the recent Pakistan series for continuity
- 4🏆 This series serves as the final preparation before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 starting February 7
- 5🇱🇰 Sri Lanka will benefit from home conditions as co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup
"The co-hosts will look to flex their muscles for one last time before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup."
Sri Lanka Name 16-Member Squad for England T20I Series Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, marking the final preparation window before the highly anticipated ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
The series kicks off on January 30 at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium, with all three matches scheduled to be played at the same venue.
Squad Composition and Leadership
Dasun Shanaka will continue at the helm as captain, providing consistency in leadership as Sri Lanka retained the core group from their recent series against Pakistan. This strategic decision reflects the team management's confidence in the existing setup heading into the World Cup.
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Full Squad Announcement
The 16-member squad features a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent:
- Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage
- All-rounders: Dhananjaya De Silva, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage
- Spinners: Maheesh Theekshana
- Pace Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
Key Players to Watch
The squad boasts significant firepower in both departments. Wanindu Hasaranga remains the linchpin of the spin attack, while the pace department features the express talents of Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera.
In the batting order, the presence of Pathum Nissanka at the top alongside the experience of Kusal Mendis and Kusal Janith Perera provides Sri Lanka with a formidable top order.
Series Schedule at Pallekele
All three T20Is will be played at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First T20I | Friday, January 30 | Pallekele |
| Second T20I | Sunday, February 1 | Pallekele |
| Third T20I | Tuesday, February 3 | Pallekele |
World Cup 2026 Significance
This series carries immense significance as the final tune-up event for both teams before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which commences on February 7. Sri Lanka, as one of the co-hosts of the tournament, will be eager to build momentum and fine-tune their combinations ahead of the global showpiece.
The familiarity of playing at home conditions should serve Sri Lanka well as they look to iron out any remaining concerns and enter the World Cup with confidence.
Looking Ahead
With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, this series presents the perfect opportunity for Sri Lanka to assess their squad depth and give players valuable match time. The team management will be closely monitoring performances as they finalize their strategy for the mega event.
England, too, will view this series as crucial preparation, making for a competitive contest that promises exciting T20 cricket at Pallekele.
