![Sri Lanka predicted XI vs Pakistan, 1st Test [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794117943954_SriLankaTest.jpg?type=hq)
Sri Lanka predicted XI vs Pakistan, 1st Test [Source: AFP]
Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan will reach its final stages with the Test series, which begins on November 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at 10 AM (IST). Previously, they fell short in T20Is, then lost the ODI Tri-Series final to the host, making Tests their last chance to salvage something from the tour.
The Rawalpindi Test marks Kusal Mendis's captaincy debut in the format, after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down. As the wicketkeeper batter looks to create impact as leader of the pack in red-ball cricket, here's a look at Sri Lanka's predicted XI.
Top Order- Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal
Lahiru Udara, who initially found himself out of the squad for the series, is back in the side after Pathum Nissanka was ruled out of the Tests due to an injury. With five Tests under his belt, Udara will have another shot at Tests this series.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara got his Test debut out of nowhere during the India series, coming in as a concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal. Despite a shock debut, Sooriyabandara impressed with two fifties in three innings. He has over 5000 runs in 70 FC matches and averages 54.46. The Galle batter will have a chance to cement his spot for the long term.
Approaching the landmark of 100 Test matches, the experienced Dinesh Chandimal will bat at number 3. Chandimal has been a reliable batter for the Lankans for over one-and-a-half decades, with 6534 runs at 43.27 and 16 hundreds to his name.
Middle Order and All Rounders- Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Sonal Dinusha, Keshara Nuwantha
Undoubtedly one of the best Sri Lankan Test batters at the moment, Kamindu Mendis will slot in at an all-important position of number 4. The batter has 1556 runs in 32 innings with the highest of 182*. In his 18-Test career, Kamindu averages 53.65, and in his overall FC career, the average goes past 58 for almost 5500 runs. He can also bowl ambidextrous finger-spin.
Former captain Dhananjaya de Silva will be the number 5 batter, closing in on 4500 runs in Tests. He can score at a brisk pace and has 13 hundreds to his name. De Silva is another spin-bowling option for the captain with 43 wickets in 100 innings.
The newly-appointed captain, Kusal Mendis, will be back after missing the India series, as he also takes the gloves on the field. Mendis has scored 4836 runs in 75 Tests, with 10 hundreds. Notably, he has not scored any hundred since September 2024, which he would like to change on the tour.
Sonal Dinusha has had an outstanding start to his international career. Having broken onto the scene in 2025, Dinusha has scored 606 runs in 9 innings with 3 hundreds and two fifties. The batting all-rounder averages a whopping 86.57 and was one of the best performers during the India series. Dinusha can also bowl left-arm orthodox spin on friendly tracks.
To complete the middle-order, Keshara Nuwantha will give a fight to Prabath Jayasuriya for the spot. His FC bowling average is just over 26 with 70 wickets in 17 matches and can also contribute with the bat, which has been evident in his two-match Test career.
Bowlers- Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando
With a lot of spin bowling options across the lineup, Milan Rathnayake finds a place in the XI as the third pacer, with 20 wickets in 12 innings. He has a five-fer to his name and is 1 wicket away from 150 FC scalps. Rathnayake can also contribute with the bat, having scored over 1500 runs in red-ball cricket.
The 29-year-old Lahiru Kumara will be one of the lead pacers, who slots in at number 10. Kumara, having played 37 Tests, has 107 wickets and 197 FC wickets, but at a slightly higher average. However, considering he is one of the most experienced pacers, he is likely to get a nod over Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madhushanka.
Asitha Fernando, who is just 3 wickets away from becoming the 10th Sri Lankan to pick 100 Test wickets, will complete the bowling lineup. In 105 FC matches, he has 317 scalps and averages under 25, making him the lead pacer.
Sri Lanka playing XI vs Pakistan- 1st Test 2026
Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Sonal Dinusha, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.
