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Sri Lanka have named Dasun Shanaka as the vice-captain for the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe, set to begin on November 17 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The announcement also brings exciting news for young quick Eshan Malinga, who has been included in both the ODI and T20I squads, marking his potential international debut.
ODI Squad – Pavan Rathnayake Earns Maiden Call-Up
The 23-year-old Pavan Rathnayake, a consistent domestic performer, receives his first national call-up in the ODI squad. His selection rewards long-term consistency, capped by a recent List A century in July.
However, Sri Lanka will be without Dilshan Madushanka, who is yet to recover from a knee injury. He has been replaced by debutant Eshan Malinga.
Matheesha Pathirana, meanwhile, misses the T20I series due to an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando stepping in as his replacement.
Shanaka Returns as Vice-Captain, Rajapaksa Recalled
The biggest headline for the T20I squad is Dasun Shanaka’s return to a leadership role as vice-captain. The all-rounder, known for his finishing skills and calm presence, strengthens Sri Lanka’s middle order and leadership depth under Charith Asalanka’s captaincy.
Explosive batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa also makes his comeback to the T20I setup after missing the Asia Cup and two bilateral series. His return is backed by a stellar showing in the SLC T20 Tournament, where he struck at an impressive 163 strike rate across four innings.
His inclusion is expected to provide the much-needed power-hitting in the middle order — an area where Sri Lanka have struggled recently.
Notable Omissions
Despite top-scoring in the domestic T20 tournament, Nuwanidu Fernando misses out, reportedly due to his relatively modest strike rate of 124.
Meanwhile, Dunith Wellalage hasn’t been included in either the ODI or T20I squads, but he will captain Sri Lanka A in the upcoming Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha later this month, alongside Nuwanidu.
Series Schedule
- ODI Series vs Pakistan (in Rawalpindi):
November 11, 13, 15 - T20I Tri-Series (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe):
November 17–29
Matches in Rawalpindi & Lahore
Final on November 29
Sri Lanka Squads
ODI Squad:
Charith Asalanka (capt), 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
T20I Tri-Series Squad:
Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (vice-capt), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Summary
Sri Lanka’s dual squads for the Pakistan ODIs and the tri-series represent a blend of experience, fresh faces, and returning firepower. With Charith Asalanka leading in both formats and Dasun Shanaka stepping back into a leadership role, Sri Lanka aim to balance rebuilding with competitiveness.
All eyes will be on Eshan Malinga’s debut, Rajapaksa’s comeback, and the continued rise of players like Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, as Sri Lanka look to fine-tune their white-ball setup ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup cycle.
