Kusal Mendis to Lead Sri Lanka in Pakistan T20I Series
Kusal Mendis to lead Sri Lanka's 15-man squad in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka has officially unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis has been appointed to lead the side as they head to Rawalpindi for the high-stakes encounter.
Match Schedule and Series Overview
The T20I leg marks the beginning of an extensive tour scheduled from October 9 to November 21. The series highlights are as follows:
- First T20I: October 9
- Second T20I: October 11
- Series Finale: October 13
Following the T20I battles, the teams will transition into a five-match ODI tri-series featuring England, before concluding the tour with a two-match Test series against Pakistan.
Squad Composition and Key Players
Kusal Mendis enters the series in excellent form following a successful tour of England, where he scored 198 runs in three matches, including a standout century of 121 in the second ODI.
The Batting Lineup
The batting unit is bolstered by a mix of experience and emerging talent, including Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, and Dasun Shanaka. Chamindu Wickramasinghe provides additional depth to the middle order.
Bowling Attack
The spin department will be spearheaded by Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. The pace battery features Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga. Notably, Asitha Fernando enters the series with significant momentum after being the top wicket-taker in Sri Lanka's recent ODI series against England.
Injury Concerns and Asian Games Connection
Sri Lanka will face a significant challenge without the services of Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, both of whom have been ruled out due to injuries. Their availability for the subsequent ODI tri-series remains dependent on fitness clearances.
In a notable coincidence, several members of the squad—Sahan Arachchige, Sineth Jayawardena, and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth—are also part of the Sri Lankan Asian Games contingent. They are set to compete for a bronze medal against Bangladesh on October 3.
Full Sri Lanka T20I Squad vs Pakistan:
Kusal Mendis (captain), Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.