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Sri Lanka are set to begin their three-match T20I series against Pakistan on October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second and third matches will also be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13 respectively. The series will be an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to assess a new-look T20I combination, with several regulars missing from the squad.
Kusal Mendis has been appointed captain of the 15-member squad, while Sri Lanka will be without two key players in Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who have been ruled out due to injuries. Their absence has opened the door for several younger players, including Sineth Jayawardena and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
The squad also features experienced names such as Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana, giving Sri Lanka a blend of youth and experience. Based on the available options, here is Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan.
| No. | Player | Role |
| 1 | Kamil Mishara | Opener |
| 2 | Kusal Mendis (c & wk) | Opener/Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Sineth Jayawardena | Batter |
| 4 | Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder |
| 5 | Sahan Arachchige | Batter |
| 6 | Dasun Shanaka | All-rounder |
| 7 | Dunith Wellalage | Spin all-rounder |
| 8 | Chamindu Wickramasinghe | Pace all-rounder |
| 9 | Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner |
| 10 | Nuwan Thushara | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Eshan Malinga | Fast bowler |
Kamil Mishara could open the innings alongside captain Kusal Mendis. The left-handed batter provides Sri Lanka with a different angle at the top and could be given an extended opportunity in the absence of Pathum Nissanka.
Mishara’s role will be particularly important during the powerplay. Pakistan possess a strong pace attack, and Sri Lanka will need their openers to score quickly without losing wickets in clusters.
With Mendis expected to take the aggressive approach from the other end, Mishara could look to provide stability while also capitalising on fielding restrictions.
Kusal Mendis is expected to lead the side from the front. The experienced batter was one of Sri Lanka’s standout performers during their recent tour of England, accumulating 198 runs in three ODIs, including a century.
His experience will be particularly valuable in a batting lineup that lacks several established T20I names.
Mendis is also likely to keep wickets, giving Sri Lanka leadership, batting and wicketkeeping experience in one player.
Sineth Jayawardena is one of the most exciting inclusions in Sri Lanka’s squad.
The left-handed opener made his T20I debut during the Asian Games and has been rewarded with a place in the senior squad after impressive domestic performances. He was the leading run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s Major Club T20 tournament, scoring 372 runs at a strike rate of 167.56.
His aggressive approach could make him an ideal No. 3 option, particularly if Sri Lanka want to maintain attacking intent after the powerplay.
Kamindu Mendis could occupy the No. 4 position and provide Sri Lanka with valuable all-round ability.
The left-hander has established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile players and can contribute with his bowling when required. His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate later makes him a useful middle-order option.
Sahan Arachchige could slot into the middle order after leading Sri Lanka’s second-string side at the Asian Games.
He brings useful domestic and international experience and can also provide an additional bowling option. His ability to contribute in multiple departments could prove valuable against Pakistan’s aggressive middle order.
Dasun Shanaka is likely to provide the experience and power-hitting Sri Lanka need in the lower middle order.
The veteran all-rounder has featured extensively in T20 cricket and can change the momentum of an innings within a few deliveries. He also gives Kusal Mendis another seam-bowling option.
Dunith Wellalage could play an important role as Sri Lanka’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder.
His left-arm spin provides variety alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, while his batting gives the team additional depth.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe could be selected as the second pace-bowling all-rounder.
His inclusion would give Sri Lanka greater balance and allow Mendis to rotate his bowling resources depending on the match situation. Wickramasinghe has also returned to the T20I setup after last playing for Sri Lanka in January 2025.
Maheesh Theekshana is expected to lead the spin attack.
His powerplay bowling could be particularly important against Pakistan’s aggressive opening combination. Theekshana’s variations and ability to bowl economically make him a key component of Sri Lanka’s attack.
Nuwan Thushara could spearhead the pace attack in the absence of several established fast bowlers.
His slingy action and ability to produce yorkers make him particularly dangerous at the death. He could be entrusted with crucial overs against Pakistan’s powerful lower middle order.
Eshan Malinga could complete the bowling attack.
The young fast bowler offers raw pace and provides Sri Lanka with another wicket-taking option. His ability to generate movement and attack the stumps could make him a useful partner for Thushara.
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