The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, offers Sri Lanka a golden chance to dominate on home soil. Led by Charith Asalanka, the Lions enter the tournament with renewed confidence, a refreshed playing identity, and a squad built perfectly for subcontinental pitches.
Following an impressive Asia Cup 2025 performance, Sri Lanka will look to maximize home advantage in Colombo and Pallekele, backed by passionate fans and a well-balanced group of experienced match-winners and rising stars.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Likely Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
No.
Player
Role
1
Charith Asalanka (C)
Captain / Batter
2
Pathum Nissanka
Opening Batter
3
Kusal Mendis
Wicketkeeper-Batter
4
Kusal Perera
Batter
5
Kamindu Mendis
All-rounder
6
Dasun Shanaka
All-rounder
7
Wanindu Hasaranga
All-rounder (Spin)
8
Dunith Wellalage
Left-arm Spinner
9
Chamika Karunaratne
All-rounder
10
Maheesh Theekshana
Spin Bowler
11
Dushmantha Chameera
Fast Bowler
12
Matheesha Pathirana
Fast Bowler
13
Binura Fernando
Left-arm Fast Bowler
14
Nuwan Thushara
Fast Bowler
15
Nuwanidu Fernando
Batter
Note: Final squad will be confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) closer to the tournament.
Download – Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 Squad PDF
A downloadable PDF will be available once SLC and ICC release the official 15-man squad.
Leadership & Team Management
Captain: Charith Asalanka
Vice-Captain (Expected): Wanindu Hasaranga
Head Coach: Chris Silverwood
Asalanka’s composed leadership, paired with the tactical brilliance of Hasaranga and all-round utility of Shanaka, makes Sri Lanka one of the most balanced teams in the tournament. Silverwood’s modern coaching approach brings structure, clarity, and adaptability.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Group – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Team
Qualification Path
Australia
Top 7 finish – T20 WC 2024
Sri Lanka
Host Nation
Ireland
ICC T20I Rankings
Zimbabwe
Africa Qualifier
Oman
Asia/EAP Qualifier
Sri Lanka are placed in Group B, facing strong opposition with a mix of elite teams and rapidly improving Associate nations.
Sri Lanka Group Stage Fixtures – T20 World Cup 2026
Date
Match
Venue
Time (IST / Local)
Time (PKT)
Sun, Feb 8, 2026
Sri Lanka vs Ireland
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
Thu, Feb 12, 2026
Sri Lanka vs Oman
Pallekele International Stadium
11:00 AM
10:30 AM
Mon, Feb 16, 2026
Australia vs Sri Lanka
Pallekele International Stadium
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
3:00 PM
2:30 PM
Super 8 and Knockouts will be updated once confirmed.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Position
Player
Role
1
Pathum Nissanka
Opening Batter
2
Kusal Perera
Opening Batter
3
Charith Asalanka (C)
Middle-Order Batter
4
Kusal Mendis (WK)
Wicketkeeper-Batter
5
Wanindu Hasaranga
All-rounder
6
Dasun Shanaka
All-rounder
7
Chamika Karunaratne
All-rounder
8
Maheesh Theekshana
Spinner
9
Matheesha Pathirana
Fast Bowler
10
Dushmantha Chameera
Fast Bowler
11
Dunith Wellalage
Spinner
Bench Strength: Kamindu Mendis, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwanidu Fernando
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
1. World-Class Spin Arsenal
Sri Lanka’s biggest advantage lies in their elite spin trio:
Hasaranga – wicket-taker and game-changer
Theekshana – powerplay and middle-overs control
Wellalage – accuracy and left-arm variation
These bowlers are tailor-made for Indian and Sri Lankan surfaces.
2. Explosive & Dynamic Batting
Kusal Perera brings power
Nissanka provides consistency
Mendis & Asalanka offer stability
This top order can adapt to both high-scoring and slow, turning conditions.
3. Strong All-Round Depth
Shanaka and Karunaratne strengthen both departments, giving Sri Lanka flexibility in team selection and match strategy.
4. High-Pace Threat
Pathirana’s sling action & death-over accuracy
Chameera’s raw pace These two create one of the sharpest T20 fast-bowling combinations.
Sri Lanka’s Road to Glory
Sri Lanka’s last T20 World Cup triumph was in 2014, a moment etched in cricketing history. Now, in 2026, with home conditions, fan support, and a new generation of talented cricketers, Sri Lanka have a genuine chance to push deep into the tournament.
Expect:
Serious spin dominance
Innovative tactical play
High-energy fielding
Unpredictable, fearless cricket
Final Word
The Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 squad is a powerful blend of experience, passion, skill, and youthful hunger. With conditions in their favour and a squad built for balance and aggression, Sri Lanka has every chance to make a serious title run in the 2026 edition.
Fans can expect thrilling cricket, smart strategies, and memorable performances from the Lions throughout the tournament.
FAQs – Sri Lanka Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
1. Who is the captain of Sri Lanka for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Charith Asalanka is expected to captain Sri Lanka.
