🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List & Fixtures
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 — co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026 — brings a golden opportunity for the Islanders. Under the leadership of Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka enter the tournament with a fresh identity, renewed confidence, and a squad built perfectly for subcontinental conditions.
After a strong showing in the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lanka now look to harness home advantage in Colombo and Pallekele, backed by passionate crowds and a dynamic mix of youth and experience.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Likely Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charith Asalanka (C) | Captain, Batter |
| 2 | Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 4 | Kusal Perera | Batter |
| 5 | Kamindu Mendis | All-Rounder |
| 6 | Dasun Shanaka | All-Rounder |
| 7 | Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder (Spin) |
| 8 | Dunith Wellalage | Left-arm Spinner |
| 9 | Chamika Karunaratne | All-Rounder |
| 10 | Maheesh Theekshana | Spin Bowler |
| 11 | Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler |
| 12 | Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| 13 | Binura Fernando | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| 14 | Nuwan Thushara | Fast Bowler |
| 15 | Nuwanidu Fernando | Batter |
Final 15 to be confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) before the tournament.
Leadership & Team Management
Captain: Charith Asalanka
Vice-Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga (expected)
Head Coach: Chris Silverwood
Charith Asalanka’s calm leadership, backed by the explosive flair of Hasaranga and Shanaka, gives Sri Lanka a fearless and strategic edge. The squad’s combination of all-rounders and power hitters makes it one of the most balanced sides in the tournament.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Group for T20 World Cup 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australia | T20 World Cup 2024 – Top 7 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | Host Nation |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | ICC T20I Rankings |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | Africa Qualifier |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | Asia/EAP Qualifier |
Sri Lanka are placed in Group B, a competitive group featuring Australia and rising sides Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka’s Group Stage Fixtures – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST / Local) | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Feb 8, 2026 | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka vs 🇮🇪 Ireland | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 7:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Thu, Feb 12, 2026 | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka vs 🇴🇲 Oman | Pallekele International Stadium | 11:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
| Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | 🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | Pallekele International Stadium | 7:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Thu, Feb 19, 2026 | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka vs 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 3:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
Super 8 and Knockout fixtures will be added after confirmation.
Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing XI
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Kusal Perera | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Charith Asalanka (C) | Middle-Order Batter |
| 4 | Kusal Mendis (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 5 | Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder |
| 6 | Dasun Shanaka | All-Rounder |
| 7 | Chamika Karunaratne | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner |
| 9 | Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Dunith Wellalage | Spinner |
Bench Strength: Kamindu Mendis, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwanidu Fernando
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
1. Spin-Powered Dominance: Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Wellalage form one of the most versatile spin trios in world cricket — tailor-made for subcontinental conditions.
2. Explosive Batting Core: Kusal Perera, Nissanka, and Mendis bring flair and power, while Asalanka anchors the innings under pressure.
3. Balanced All-Rounders: With Shanaka and Karunaratne in the mix, Sri Lanka can adjust their lineup seamlessly based on match conditions.
4. Death-Bowling Strength: Pathirana and Chameera’s pace combination gives Sri Lanka an edge in closing out high-scoring contests.
Sri Lanka’s Road to Glory
Sri Lanka last lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2014, a moment etched in cricket history. Now, with home fans behind them and a new generation of match-winners rising, the Lions aim to recreate that magic in 2026.
Expect drama, spin dominance, and passionate cricket from a team built to surprise giants.
Final Word
The Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 squad carries a rare mix of balance, passion, and experience. Playing on home soil, this team has every chance to go deep into the tournament and challenge the world’s best. Expect magical spin spells, fiery pace, and determined performances from the Lions of Lanka.