My Sri Lanka World cup squad for WT20I -2026

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

Selecting a T20 World Cup squad in 2026 should not be about past medals or nostalgic names. It should be about roles, match-ups, and adaptability. Sri Lanka’s white-ball game is somewhat disappointing as they getting ready for a home world cup.

If I were on the selection panel, this would be my 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

My 15-Man Squad

Combination (15)

Batters-6

Spin-2

Pace-3

All round 

        Spin-2

        Pace-2

Batters (6)

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kamil Mishara (wk)
3. Kusal Mendis (wk)
4. Kusal Janith Perera
5. Charith Asalanka
6. Kamindu Mendis

All round

Pace(2)

1. Dasun Shanaka (c)
2. Janith Liyanage

Spin(2)

1. Wanindu Hasaranga
2. Dunith Wellalage

Spin (2)

1. Maheesh Theekshana
2. Dushan Hemantha / Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 

Pace(3)

1. Dushmantha Chameera
2. Nuwan Thushara
3. Matheesha Pathirana/ Eshan Malinga

Batting: A Blend of Stability and Intent

At the top, Pathum Nissanka is my non-negotiable pick. His ability to bat deep while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him ideal for tournament cricket, where one anchor per innings is still essential. I am pretty sure that Sri Lanka's world cup campaign is hugely depends on how well Pathum Nissanka bats.

Kusal Mendis used to be his partner for a long time but dip in form brought Kamil Mishara into that position, dropping Kusal Mendis in to no 3. We can expect Sri Lanka will go with same top 3 in WT20I. Both can keep the wickets brings more options. 

Kusal Perera remains a high-risk, high-reward selection. His consistency is a huge problem but we don't have enough time to pick a new player for that role. Most probably Kusal's last world cup and he needs to give the team his maximum value that we didn't get in last couple of series.

Charith Asalanka, for me, was the captain to be in this WT20I. SLC groomed him as a captain and all of a sudden in Pakistan tour his captaincy wasn't enough. Even though he had a good year in ODIs he is going through a lean run in T20Is. Asalanka, he wounded lion must be eager to show his value when he gets thr chance.

We could see SL play 7-4 combination more often under Sanath Jayasuriya. That will pushed us to a 4 overs from part timers. So, in home decks Kamindu Mendis would be handy as well as we could see he is comfortable at lower middle order in T20Is. In my opinion he is not a power hitter but a smart hitter, that suits the Sri Lankan brand of T20I cricket. 

All-round Depth: The Hasaranga Core

Every version of my Sri Lanka T20 XI revolves around Wanindu Hasaranga. Even when his batting output dips, his wicket-taking ability through the middle overs remains invaluable. He gives Sri Lanka control in a format designed to take it away.

Dasun Shanaka, the captain has one of the most important role in the xi.His finishing ability, seam bowling, and leadership experience add depth. 

Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage is my other all rohnd options. Wellalage has shown quality bowling against big teams in tournaments. With spin friendly pitches he must be very handy as well as he brings the verity with his left arm orthodox bowling. And Janith Liyanage is the one Sri Lanka tried as a fast bowling all rounder prior to the World cup so we have no options with that role.

Fast Bowling: Pace as the Primary Weapon

My bowling attack leans heavily on pace because that is where Sri Lanka’s biggest growth has come.

First name in this category will be Dushmantha Chameera. He gained lots of consistency over the ladt couple of series and proved the first choice fast bowling option in the World Cup.

I’ve backed Nuwan Thushara for his control with the new ball. If he's playing in the xi Shanaka must give him 3 overs with the new ball because Thushara's economy at the deatg is high.

I'd go with 3 fast bowlers. So, only one off Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga has the opportunity to be in World Cup. Pathirana's dip in form is a concern but the decision depends on how well both of them going in practice sessions.

Spin Bowling: Spin is about efficiency, not volume. Maheesh Theekshana’s powerplay control complements Hasaranga perfectly and allows Sri Lanka to dictate phases rather than react. Theekshana lately has become just a slow bowler and wickets seemed very hard to come. So he needs be back his variations rather than just runs and bowls.

Second option would be one from Dushan Hemantha and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. Hemantha, more similar to Hasaranga who is injury prone has a good chance for the WC. On the other hand Viyas has more pace bjt last outing doesn't supoort his inclusion.

This squad reflects how Sri Lanka used the players in last year or so. From the selection of 25-man preliminary squad, it had problems but in my opinion this is the best we can go for the World Cup. 

Bonus in the article :

I have nominating three combinations that Sri Lanka can go according to the oppositions and the pitch.

Nissanka	Nissanka	Nissanka
Kamil	Kamil	Kamil
K.Mendis	K.Mendis	K.Mendis
KJP	KJP/Asalanka	KJP/Asalanka
Asalanka	Shanaka	Shanaka
Shanaka	Kamindu	Kamindu
Kamindu	Wanindu	Wellalage
Wanindu	Maheesh	Maheesh
Maheesh	Chameera	Chameera
Chameera	Thushara	Thushara
Thushara or Eshan/Matheesha	Eshan/Matheesha	Eshan/Matheesha

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WTC Final: Australia vs South Africa – A Battle Beyond the Boundary at Lord’s

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

It's more than a test

The cricketing world has turned its attention to Lord’s again. This time, it’s about legacy, structure, and the evolution of Test cricket. The World Test Championship Final (2023–25) between Australia and South Africa is more than a game; it marks two years of planning, execution, and resilience. The term "pinnacle of cricket" suits it well. 

The WTC: A Much-Needed Push for the Red Ball 

When the ICC launched the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019, it aimed to give context to Test series and restore importance to matches often overlooked outside the Ashes or BGT events. The WTC sought to turn Test cricket into a league format where every match matters. A dead rubber would no longer be truly dead; every run, session, and win now has a purpose. 

The 2023–25 cycle is the third cycle and arguably the most balanced. While the structure, including uneven series lengths and teams not facing each other, remained the same, it gave Test cricket a clear goal. It pushed teams to plan for long-term, resting and rotating players wisely and building players for the future with the WTC table in mind. 

Australia’s Campaign: Australia began their journey as defending champions after defeating India in the 2021–23 final. This time, their campaign was marked by discipline and quiet dominance. Cummins’ men didn’t overpower their opponents like some past Aussie sides like Steve Wough’s or Ricky Pontings’s Aussie sides but maintained steady control over series both at home and abroad. They swept Sri Lanka, shared the Ashes with England, and handled Pakistan and New Zealand with careful precision and won BGT against India handsomly. Their success wasn’t just about results; it was about depth. Players like Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Lyon , and Starc, Khawaja formed a strong core. However, Australia’s ability to adapt—bringing in players like Todd Murphy, Sam Konstas and rotating Green and Marsh based on conditions—showed their planning. 

First day at Lord's

At Lord’s, on Day 1 of the final, they were bowled out for 212. Still, their bowlers, especially Pace trio Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, fought back, leaving South Africa at 43/4. That’s Australia in the WTC era: not always dominant from the start but always steady and ready. 

South Africa’s Rise: The table toppers of this cycle but before the cycle no one had bet on South Africa to compete at Final. Fast Bowlers and Strong Intent South Africa crafted an impressive story. They were not among the tournament favorites, might have fairly inexperienced batting line-up yet a reenergized pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, along with Jansen, Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee and with the help of Maharaj, gave them the ability to dismantle batting line-ups across conditions. Their campaign featured consistency: solid home wins, gritty performances away, and a team that collectively responsible for the Lord’s birth. 

For Bavuma’s team who is undefeated as a test captain so far, the final is a debut, a dream, and a statement that they belong with the world’s elite once again. Known as chockers in ICC knockouts, but this time it is a great chance to break the all hoodoos at Lord’s.

What WTC brings for Test Cricket

The value of the WTC goes beyond trophies and points. It brings significance-an important aspect in today’s cricket world, where players retiring from international cricket to take up the franchise cricket, where money decide the fates of cricket, WTC stands high and future of this beautiful format heavily depends on WTC. It also reminds us that in the era of T20 and franchise cricket, the charm of red-ball cricket still has value and a beauty. Having known there will be final at the end all the matches get equal respect. With the WTC world could see some of the fortresses in home conditions are been broken. Especially sub-continent teams (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh) lost at their own backyards with visiting teams develop skills and play strongest xis to gain points. Empty stands are no longer common for key Test series. Streaming numbers have increased, and top players have repeatedly expressed their commitment to red-ball cricket when it has real context. Players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith talk much about the value of test cricket and it definitely increases the curiosity among youngsters. 

Test Cricket’s Future 

There’s no denying the challenges Test cricket faces. The schedule is busy, and T20 leagues are the financial foundation for many players and boards. Scheduling conflicts and workload management will continue to affect team selections and tour lengths. However, Test cricket offers something no other format can: character and patience. 

In this T20 era, red ball cricket still has it's wow

As the final unfolds at Lord’s, it’s not only about Australia vs South Africa; it’s about the essence of cricket. It’s about the future of the most beautiful format of game of cricket. It’s about the players that take this format to the next generation. 

The flame of Test cricket still burns, and as long as it does, the World Test Championship will be the torch barrier. Crowds at Lord’s in the first day of the ultimate test suggest it.

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Sri Lanka T20I World Cup Squad

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming T20 World Cup reaches as Sri Lanka unveils its 15-man squad for the highly anticipated tournament. The squad announcement sparks discussions and speculations about the composition, strengths, and misses-outs. However the squads can be changed until 25th of May. Let’s dig into Sri Lanka’s squad that will take on global stage in June. 

The squad looks balanced, and has enough variety as well even though the power-hitting remains bit of concerns. The batting lineup looks fixed with what we have seen in last couple of series with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka expected to lead the charge in the top seven and Wanindu Hasaranga ready to step up in the order as needed. In the spin department, skipper Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana and notable inclusion of Dunith Wellalage who is yet to make his T20I debut take three spots out of fifteen.

Wellalage in 15-men squad.

While Matheesha Pathirana is in hot form in IPL, Nuwan Thushara is going ok for MI and Dushmantha Chameera is injury-less they come in to the team as right arm pace bowlers. The room for left arm pacer has been grabbed by Dilshan Madushanka who is coming back after an injury. With those four the pace lineup has covered it bases well.

Going in to the tournament, the combination stands as the linchpin for Sri Lanka. Either Sri Lanka can form 6-5 combination or 7-4. Writer thinks this will be the toughest decision Tharanga has to make while the World Cup. Having a strong in bowling line-up with variety and batting is yet to find its full flow, choosing the combination will be crucial.

Pathirana was in hot form for CSK

Exploring further into the options, the decision lies in choosing between fielding three frontline pacers or opting for a blend of two alongside the duo of Angelo and Shanaka. Hasaranga and Theekshana are set to spearhead the spin department, as expected.

Should Sri Lanka opt for the 6-5 combination, it would necessitate leaving out Sadeera, paving the way for Angelo and Shanaka to slot in at numbers five and six respectively. Conversely, a 7-4 combo would see only two pacers taking the field, with Angelo, Shanaka, and either Kamindu or DDS filling in the remaining four overs.

As travelling reserves Sri Lanka has go for Bhanuka Rajapaksha, impressive Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, All-rounder Janith Liyanage and pacer Asitha Fernando. Bhanuka last played for Sri Lanka in January 2023, but Tharanga has shown faith in his big-hitting ability. Viyaskanth unfortunately not in the first 15 men as the legbreak option is filed with skipper and understandable that selectors have opted for variety with left arm spinner.

Noticeably absent from the squad are players such as experienced Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, , Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan. Avishka's recent showings during the Bangladesh fell short of expectations, while Kusal Perera's has struggled with injuries as well as not so impressive as he used to be. Meanwhile, Dilshan might gain fitness after the injury to overtake Binura who filled the left arm pacer role in Bangladesh series.

Can Wanindu clinch the trophy for SL ?

Sri Lanka are in group D at the T20 World Cup along with Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands and South Africa as only two teams will advance to the super 8 stage. Their schedule is as follows.

3rd June- vs South Africa

8th June-vs Bangladesh

12th June-vs Nepal

17th June -vsNetherlands

Sri Lanka squad for 2024 T20I World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka,Nuwan Thushara.

Travelling reserves: Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Asitha Fernando.

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Bazball's biggest challenge: England tour of India Preview

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

Bazball vs Indian spinners, the battle on the way

Since Brendon McCulum took over England's test team coaching role, English red ball team remodelized the test cricket. So far they had a fruitful Bazball era. Even at the start of the Bazball era, many had their doubts on English approach in spinning conditions, to be precise rank turners. Now, the time has come. All the doubts are to be answered, England vs India 5-match test series starts tomorrow.

As always in Indian soil, England's main challenge is India's spinners, Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. India may play all these three spinners in their playing xi and it will be great battle if England batters continue their approach. 

India's spin trio

Leading upto the series, two notable as well as crucial omissions happened for both the teams. Firstly, English star batter Harry Brook opted out due to personal reasons. He was one of the main contributor towards the success of Bazball and one of the key reasons of England drawing the last Ashes. Like Brook, India's prime batter Virat Kohli has requested not to consider him for the first two tests due to personal reasons. Absence of these two is going to affect both the teams heavily.

Teams

Joe Root will be the key

England young spinner, Shoaib Bashir will miss the first test since his visa was not granted on time. England has named their xi for the first test including three spinners, challenging India with their own medicine. Joe Root, their best batter against spin will hold key for English batting lineup.Mark Wood will be their sole fast bowler in their playing xi. England's best wicket-keeper Ben Foakes is back as designated wicket-keeper.

England xi:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood

Since Virat Kohli's absence, KL Rahul will play as a batter at middle order resolving their wicket keeper discussions. India is set to play without either of Virat, Rahane and Pujara for the first time since 2011. They will likely to play 6-5 combination including two seamers.

India is without Virat, Rahane and Pujara for the first time since 2011

India likely xi:

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat(wk), Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Jusprit Bumrah, Mohomadd Siraj

Toss will be one key factor as always. There will be no hesitations, the captain who wins the toss will bat first. We are into a long, but fascinating series. The much-awaited red ball series is few hours away.

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