Sri Lanka announce their squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Dinesh Chandimal’s return to the shortest format after three years has been the major headline for the side as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in India.

Chandimal, who has smashed 1062 T20I runs in 61 innings at a strike rate of 103.60, returns to the national side. His last game of the format came in November 2022 against Australia in Kandy. However, his comeback for Sri Lanka isn’t surprising, with the veteran cracking 287 runs in 10 LPL games last year at a strike rate of nearly 170. 

The opening game of the series will take place on July 10, in Pallekele, before the action moves to Dambulla after a two-day break. On July 16, the final encounter of the series will take place in Colombo. It's incredibly vital for the players to perform in this series at home, as the T20 World Cup 2026 is knocking on the door. Most players, whose position in the side, hasn't been sealed yet, will face an acid test against Bangladesh. 

Sri Lanka announce their squad of inform players for the Bangladesh series

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the 2014 T20 champions. Opener Pathum Nissanka, who has been in tremendous touch during this multi-format series, has retained his place. In 61 innings, the right-handed batter has clubbed 1734 runs at a strike rate of 120.41, thanks to 14 half-centuries.

Sri Lanka’s biggest boost has come in the form of Matheesha Pathirana’s return. The pacer didn’t enjoy a great IPL 2025 campaign for the Chennai Super Kings, with just 13 wickets in 12 innings at an economy of over 10. But his form will be vital for the side’s death over bowling.

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Kusal Perera has also retained his place in Sri Lanka’s T20I squad. At 34, the veteran, who has accumulated 2056 T20I runs in 76 innings at a strike rate of 134.11, will look to make the most of the opportunities. Along with Pathirana, this side has covered their pace unit with experience. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga have a huge role to play in the spin department. The former will take care of the power, while Hasaranga will look to counter the middle overs.

Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for Bangladesh series:

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.