Colombo buzzes with excitement as Sri Lanka unveils its 16-member squad for the upcoming T20 series against England. Kicking off January 30 and running through February 3, this three-match showdown serves as a crucial tune-up ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to commence on February 7.
The Lions are doubling down on continuity, retaining most of their core players from recent T20 outings to fine-tune their combination. For both sides, it’s the final dress rehearsal to gauge form, fitness, and balance in World Cup-like conditions.
Boosting the lineup are explosive opener Kusal Perera, emerging pacer Isitha Malinga, and seasoned seamer Dushmantha Chameera—none of whom featured in England’s recent 2-1 ODI series triumph. Perera’s inclusion promises fireworks at the top, injecting experience and aggression into the batting order.
Chameera joins Matheesha Pathirana and Pramod Madushan in a potent pace attack, while Isitha Malinga eyes a breakout performance to cement his spot. Middle-order stalwarts Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva are expected to anchor innings, with Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, and Pawan Rathnayake adding depth.
Spin wizardry comes courtesy of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage, offering middle-over control and variety.
Captain Dasun Shanaka leads the side: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Isitha Malinga.
With eyes on World Cup glory, Sri Lanka aims to hit the ground running against a formidable England unit, setting the tone for an electrifying contest.