Key player returns as Sri Lanka name squad for Pakistan T20Is

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka recalled Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva to the T20I squad on Tuesday for a three-match home series against Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

All-rounder De Silva has not played a T20I match since June 2024 against the Netherlands.

The 18-member squad will be led by Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka gear up for the T20 World Cup next month, which they co-host with India.

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Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11.

All matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla.

The series holds added significance as it serves as a key build-up assignment ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Sri Lanka T20i Squad

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

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