🇱🇰 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, presents a golden opportunity for the Islanders to make a strong run on home soil.
Led by experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka head into the tournament with a settled core, spin-heavy firepower and explosive pace options — a combination perfectly suited for subcontinental conditions in Colombo and Pallekele.
Having lifted the trophy in 2014, Sri Lanka will once again look to blend experience with youthful energy as they aim to recreate past glory in front of passionate home crowds.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dasun Shanaka (C) | All-rounder |
| 2 | Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Kamil Mishara | Batter |
| 4 | Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 5 | Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder |
| 6 | Kusal Janith Perera | Batter |
| 7 | Charith Asalanka | Middle-order Batter |
| 8 | Janith Liyanage | Batter |
| 9 | Pavan Rathnayake | All-rounder |
| 10 | Wanindu Hasaranga | Spin All-rounder |
| 11 | Dunith Wellalage | Left-arm Spinner |
| 12 | Maheesh Theekshana | Mystery Spinner |
| 13 | Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler |
| 14 | Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| 15 | Eshan Malinga | Fast Bowler |
Final squad confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain: Dasun Shanaka
- Vice-Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
- Head Coach: Chris Silverwood
Shanaka’s calm leadership, combined with Hasaranga’s match-winning impact and Asalanka’s consistency, gives Sri Lanka a balanced and fearless identity.
🇱🇰 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 Janith Perera | Opening Batter |
| 3 | Charith Asalanka | Middle-order Batter |
| 4 | Kusal Mendis (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 5 | Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder |
| 6 | Dasun Shanaka (C) | All-rounder |
| 7 | Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder |
| 8 | Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner |
| 9 | Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Dunith Wellalage | Spinner |
Bench Strength: Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Kamil Mishara
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
Spin Supremacy
Hasaranga, Theekshana and Wellalage form one of the most dangerous spin trios in world cricket — tailor-made for home conditions.
Flexible Batting Core
Nissanka and Perera provide explosive starts, while Asalanka and Mendis offer stability under pressure.
All-round Balance
Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis give Sri Lanka the ability to adapt their XI based on pitch and opposition.
Death-Bowling Firepower
Pathirana’s slingy action and Chameera’s raw pace make Sri Lanka lethal in the final overs.
Sri Lanka’s Road to Glory
Sri Lanka last lifted the T20 World Cup in 2014, defeating India in a memorable final. Twelve years on, with home advantage and a squad packed with multi-dimensional cricketers, the Lions will be aiming to script another historic campaign.
Expect sharp spin, fearless batting and intense atmosphere as Sri Lanka chase World Cup glory once again.
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.