Overview:
If the top order of Sri Lanka does not deliver, then it can be an issue, given the middle order lacks the bite. Another issue is the batting order’s inconsistency.
Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka will be hoping for a revival at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to start from February 7. The work for the Sri Lankan side at the T20 World Cup will be to sharpen their all-round display. The senior players need to step up and deliver. They have to lead by example, especially on home soil.
The Sri Lankan side will battle it out in a Group B that also features Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. Notably, 20 teams are divided into four groups, and the top 2 teams from each group will reach the Super 8, which will be divided into two groups.
The T20 World Cup final will be played on March 8. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the coveted tournament. This is the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka have won the coveted T20 World Cup once in 2014. Meanwhile, they have also been two-time runners-up in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Under Shanaka, Sri Lanka will now aim for a 2nd title in their T20 World Cup journey.
Sri Lanka were the last side to announce the same, doing so on February 2. The talking point of the squad is Eshan Malinga’s inclusion. He suffered a shoulder injury during the 2nd T20I against England on February 1, and it remains to be seen whether he gets 100% ready. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva was ignored. Kamindu Mendis returns to the side in his place.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, we decode the strengths, weaknesses and analysis of the Lankan side.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
Strengths of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boast of a decent batting unit. The likes of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are the crux as they boast enough experience to handle the demands.
Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s top scorer in T20Is. He owns close to 2500 runs (2414) at an average of 30.94. He has 1 hundred and 18 fifties. Mendis will be featuring in his 100th T20I on February 3 against England. He owns 2399 runs at 25.52.
The top order will also have Kamil Mishara, who has been a regular feature lately. In 17 T20Is, he owns 423 runs at 28.20.
There is another top-draw performer in Kusal Perera. The veteran has been added to the side. He owns 2312 runs from 93 T20Is.
The middle order of Sri Lanka will have the likes of Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage. Pavan Rathnayake will lend a voice from the bench.
In 35 matches, Mendis has scored 540 runs at 19.28 with the help of three fifties. Asalanka provides a shield. In 74 matches, he has 1426 runs at 22.63. Liyanage is a promising player and owns 159 runs from 12 matches at 26.50.
Shanaka is the side’s leading finisher and a premium pace-bowling all-rounder. In 123 matches, he has bagged 1743 runs at 20.03. He has hit 91 sixes.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s presence will bolster the spin department of the Lankans. He leads the show with 151 scalps at 16.21. Dunith Wellalage provides support from the other end. In 7 matches, he has 8 scalps. Maheesh Theekshana boasts plenty of experience as well. He owns 70 wickets at 28.45.
In the pace department, the likes of Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga will slot in. Chameera is an excellent bowler. He owns 78 scalps at 25.97. Matheesha Pathirana is the best bet and has 36 scalps at 18.47.
Malinga will provide cover. He has 8 scalps from 8 matches.
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Weaknesses of the Sri Lanka side
If the top order of Sri Lanka does not deliver, then it can be an issue, given the middle order lacks the bite. Another issue is the batting order’s inconsistency. This is an area that needs to be improved upon. Lack of proper big-hitters will hurt the side. Barring Shanaka, there are not many players who can exploit the same. The strike rate of the batters is a worry.
Hasaranga has had a dismal show against England, and he will need to improve and bring his A game into play. Theekshana and Wellalage need to support him and churn out wickets.
There is also a lack of experience riding with the likes of Rathnayake and Liyanage.
Lastly, Malinga will be given time to improve his fitness. Sri Lanka cannot afford to have him at anything below 100%.
Predicted starting XI of Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
Players to watch out for
Kusal Mendis: The star batter will be keen to make his presence felt. He has quality experience and numbers. Mendis has to bring consistency and provide power in a batting unit that can struggle at times.
Verdict: Sri Lanka can be dark horses
Sri Lanka have a tricky group, but they can make it through with Australia not firing. Ireland and Zimbabwe will provide fights, but expect Sri Lanka to outmuscle them. Oman are a side the Lankans will back themselves to dominate. With the Lankans playing at home and a decent squad on offer with a blend of balance across departments, they can be party spoilers and dark horses.
Schedule of Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup
8 February – Sri Lanka vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
12 February – Sri Lanka vs Oman, Pallekele Stadium, Palekelle
16 February –Sri Lanka vs Australia, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
19 February – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Pallekele Stadium, Palekelle
SL’s opener will start at 7:00 pm IST. Their 2nd game will be starting from 11:00 am IST. The next two group games will start at 7:00 pm and 3:00 pm, respectively.