Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series Squad: Kusal Mendis to Lead 16-Member Team in Pakistan
Sri Lanka Cricket on Sunday announced a 16-member squad for the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England, with Kusal Mendis named captain for the tour. The Sri Lanka ODI tri-series squad will play six matches across Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31.
The announcement sets up a busy month of cricket in Pakistan, with the tri-series followed by a two-Test series that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Asalanka dropped, Nissanka subject to fitness
The biggest talking point in the selection is the omission of former captain Charith Asalanka. Asalanka, who averages 40.55 in 88 ODIs, was dropped after managing scores of 1, 11 and 7 during the ODI leg of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England.
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been included but his travel remains subject to medical clearance. He will join the team only if declared fit to play.
The squad also features Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
Tri-series schedule: Rawalpindi first, then Lahore
The tournament opens with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 18. Pakistan then face England at the same venue on October 20, before Sri Lanka meet England on October 22.
The action moves to Lahore for the remaining matches. Pakistan play England at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25 and Sri Lanka on October 27, while Sri Lanka and England meet on October 29. The top two sides will contest the final at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
T20Is and Tests around the tri-series
Sri Lanka arrive in Pakistan today for a three-match T20I series against the hosts, with all three games scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 9 to 13.
After the tri-series, Sri Lanka will play a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 before the two-Test series. The first Test runs from November 9 to 13 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and the second from November 17 to 21 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Both Tests count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Who is captaining Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series?
Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan.
Why was Charith Asalanka dropped?
Asalanka was left out after a poor run of form, scoring 1, 11 and 7 in the ODI leg of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England.
When does the ODI tri-series start?
The tri-series begins on October 18 with Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The final is on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Will Sri Lanka play Tests in Pakistan?
Yes. After the tri-series and a three-day warm-up in Islamabad, Sri Lanka play two Tests in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 9 and 17 as part of the World Test Championship.
