Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2026 squad announced; Dasun Shanaka named captain

Sri Lanka have announced their T20 World Cup squad [Source: AFP]In a significant development, Sri Lanka announced their squad for T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday afternoon. Veteran allrounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan team in the tournament. Apart from the seasoned campaigner, the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana are expected to play crucial roles for the co-hosts in the showpiece event. Kusal Mendis to spearhead Sri Lanka's power-packed batting at T20 World Cup 2026The experienced trio of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera have been picked as Sri Lanka's top-order batters for the T20 World Cup 2026. Kamil Mishara's inclusion further strengthens the Sri Lankan top-order, which will be followed by an impactful set of batters and allrounders. Despite being ignored for the home series against England, Kamindu Mendis finds a place in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad as a spin bowling allrounder. Dhananjaya de Silva makes room for the southpaw in the Lankan middle order. Left-handed batter Charith Asalanka has been picked as a go-to man for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. The swashbuckling southpaw can capitalise on home advantage, offering quality and depth to the Lankan lineup in the mega event. Sri Lanka's 'spin to win' formula for T20 World CupSri Lanka have prioritised spinners for the T20 World Cup. While Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis can chip in with handy overs, the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage form the backbone of the Lankan spin unit. Hasaranga is one of the most important players for the co-hosts, having scalped 22 wickets in just 15 matches since 2025. Besides bamboozling the opponents with his wily variations, Hasaranga can also be handy as a lower middle order batter. On a similar note, Dunith Wellalage will be tasked to bolster Sri Lanka's all-round core, while Theekshana could be pivotal with his variations in the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera to lead Lankan pace batteryDushmantha Chameera has showcased his brilliance in T20Is after recovering from injury. The right-arm pacer has bagged 15 wickets across twelve outings since the Asia Cup and will be key to Sri Lanka's success in the T20 World Cup. Matheesha Pathirana, who missed several crucial assignments due to persistent injury and health issues, finally makes his comeback for the showpiece event. With Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera expected to spearhead the Sri Lankan new-ball attack, Pathirana could be crucial in the middle and death overs. Sri Lanka's squad for T20 World Cup 2026Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Ratnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith WellalageSri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2026 scheduleSri Lanka are placed in group B and will face Ireland, Oman, Australia and Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup. The co-hosts will play all their games at home, with Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium and the Pallekele Cricket Stadium hosting their group stage encounters.