Sri Lanka Announce Squad for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026; Kusal Mendis Named Captain, Avishka Fernando Recalled

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced its 16-member One-Day International (ODI) squad today, October 4, 2026, for the highly anticipated Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan. Wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis will lead the island nation in the tournament, which also features hosts Pakistan and England, commencing on October 18. England Announce Squad for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026; Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer Sidelined as Adil Rashid, Sam Curran Return.

Sri Lanka Names Squad for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026

Here is the 16-member squad set to represent Sri Lanka in the upcoming Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan! 🇱🇰🏏

#SriLankaCricket https://t.co/rgJq3Uu1dl

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 4, 2026

The tri-series holds significant importance as teams fine-tune their strategies and combinations in the lead-up to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. The squad, a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent, sees the return of Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige, while Pathum Nissanka's participation is contingent on medical clearance.

Squad Composition

Kusal Mendis will take the helm as captain, a role he has previously fulfilled. The batting lineup features the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, and Pavan Rathnayake. Avishka Fernando's recall comes after an impressive domestic season, where he amassed 447 runs in seven matches at an average of 63.85, including two centuries.

The middle order will be bolstered by Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and former captain Dasun Shanaka, who will also provide valuable all-round depth. Shanaka's experience will be vital in guiding the team through a competitive tournament. Jos Buttler Becomes First Batter To Reach 15,000 T20 Runs, Achieves Feat During ENG vs SL 2nd T20I 2026.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad for Pakistan Tri-Series

• Kusal Mendis (Captain)
• Pathum Nissanka (Subject to Medical Clearance)
• Avishka Fernando
• Kamil Mishara
• Pavan Rathnayake
• Sahan Arachchige
• Kamindu Mendis
• Janith Liyanage
• Dasun Shanaka
• Dunith Wellalage
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Sachindu Colombage
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Asitha Fernando
• Dilshan Madushanka
• Eshan Malinga

The bowling attack features a mix of spin and pace, with Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Sachindu Colombage handling the spin department. The pace battery includes Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga.

Tournament Schedule and Venues

The 2026-27 Pakistan ODI Tri-Series will be played across two venues: the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The tournament will feature a round-robin format, with each team playing the other twice, followed by a final between the top two sides.

The Tri-Nation Series promises exciting cricket action as Sri Lanka looks to build momentum under Kusal Mendis's captaincy against formidable opponents in preparation for the global showpiece event in 2027.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2026 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).