Led by Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka aims to perform well in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. The team needs to enhance their overall performance. Senior players are expected to set the pace, especially playing at home.
Sri Lanka is in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. A total of 20 teams are in four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super 8, which is split into two groups.
The final of the T20 World Cup will take place on March 8, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This marks the 10th edition of the tournament.
Sri Lanka previously won the T20 World Cup in 2014 and was a runner-up in 2009 and 2012. Under Shanaka’s leadership, the team aims to secure a second title.
The squad announcement came on February 2. A key point is the inclusion of Eshan Malinga, who is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during a T20I against England on February 1. Dhananjaya de Silva was not selected, while Kamindu Mendis returns to the lineup.
Ahead of the World Cup, here’s a look at Sri Lanka’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall analysis.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
Strengths of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a solid batting lineup. Key players like Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis bring valuable experience.
Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s leading T20I scorer, has nearly 2,500 runs at an average of 30.94, including 1 century and 18 fifties. Mendis is set to reach 100 T20Is on February 3 against England, with 2,399 runs at an average of 25.52.
Other important players include Kamil Mishara, who has scored 423 runs in 17 T20Is, and seasoned Kusal Perera, with 2,312 runs in 93 T20Is.
The middle order features Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Janith Liyanage. Mendis has 540 runs in 35 matches, Asalanka has 1,426 runs in 74 matches, and Liyanage has 159 runs in 12 matches.
Shanaka also plays a crucial role as the team’s finisher, with 1,743 runs in 123 matches at an average of 20.03 and 91 sixes.
Wanindu Hasaranga strengthens the spin department, leading with 151 wickets at an average of 16.21. Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana provide additional support.
In the pace department, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga will feature. Chameera has 78 wickets at an average of 25.97, while Pathirana has 36 wickets at 18.47. Malinga adds experience with 8 wickets from 8 matches.
Weaknesses of the Sri Lanka side
If the top order falters, the middle order may struggle due to its lack of depth. Inconsistency in the batting lineup is a concern, and there aren’t many big hitters besides Shanaka. The team’s strike rates also need improvement.
Hasaranga had a poor performance against England and must perform better. Theekshana and Wellalage need to step up and take wickets.
The team also lacks experience with players like Rathnayake and Liyanage. Malinga must achieve full fitness to be effective.
Predicted starting XI of Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
Players to watch out for
Kusal Mendis: The key batter will look to make a significant impact. With his experience, Mendis must deliver consistency and power to the batting lineup.
Verdict: Sri Lanka can be dark horses
Sri Lanka faces a challenging group but has the potential to advance, especially if Australia underperforms. Ireland and Zimbabwe will provide tough competition, but Sri Lanka should handle them effectively. Playing at home and with a balanced squad, they could surprise opponents and make a strong run.
Schedule of Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup
8 February – Sri Lanka vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
12 February – Sri Lanka vs Oman, Pallekele Stadium, Pallekele
16 February – Sri Lanka vs Australia, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
19 February – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Pallekele Stadium, Pallekele
Sri Lanka’s opener starts at 7:00 PM IST. The second match kicks off at 11:00 AM IST, with the next two group games beginning at 7:00 PM and 3:00 PM, respectively.
