Padam Nissanga (right) celebrates with his teammate Dasun Shanaka after scoring a century (100 runs) during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Twenty20 International cricket match between India and Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium on September 26, 2025 in Dubai. – AFP

Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad for the three-match T20I series against England, starting on January 30 at the Ballekala Cricket Ground, has been announced.

Pawan Ratnayake returned to the T20I squad after scoring 121 off 115 balls in the third ODI against England.

Fast bowler Nuwan Tushara, batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha have been dropped.

Although left-arm spinner Dunit Vellalake has not played in a T20I since September, he has retained his place alongside leading spinners Mahesh Dikshana and Vanindu Hazaranga. Spinners Dhananjaya de Silva and Sarith Asalanga also featured.

The seam-bowling attack features Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madhushan, Dushmantha Sameera and Madisha Pathrana.

Despite being a regular in recent T20I squads, Tushara has continued to play modestly since September.

Batsman Kusal Perera returns to the T20I squad, while the rest of the batting line-up remains largely unchanged. While the main squad has been retained from the recent Pakistan series, Dasun Shanaka will continue as the captain.

The series serves as the final series for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7, 2026.

Sri Lanka are yet to announce their World Cup squad and squads can make changes until January 31, subject to ICC approval.

Sri Lanka T20 Team:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Padum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sarith Asalanga, Janith Lienake, Pawan Ratnayake, Vanindu Hasaranga, Dunit Vellalake, Mahish Dikshana, Tushmantha Sameera, Mahees Dikshana, Tushmantha Sameera, E.

Series Table:

  • First T20I: Friday, January 30, Pallekale
  • Second T20I: Sunday, February 1, Pallekale
  • Third T20: Tuesday, February 3, Ballegale

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