While the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is just less than two months away from beginning, co-hosts Sri Lanka added a former Indian coach to the team in the hope of developing the team stronger for the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

R. Sridhar joins Sri Lanka national cricket team

Former Hyderabad cricketer and the former popular fielding coach of the Indian men's national cricket team, Ramakrishnan Sridhar, popularly known as R. Sridhar, has joined the Sri Lankan men's national cricket team.

R. Sridhar is a BCCI Level 3 qualified coach who was the Indian fielding coach from 2014 to 2021. Under his tenure, where India played more than 300 international matches, including several important ICC tournaments, the fielding standards for the Men in Blues were remarkable.

Sridhar joining the Sri Lankan team isn't shocking, as the former Indian fielding coach worked in a 10-day fielding programme at the SLC National High Performance Centre early this calendar year, where the players from senior, women’s, and youth teams were actively present. 

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My role is not to impose a system: R Sridhar

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed R. Sridhar's addition to the team as the contract will run till the end of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the tournament from February 7 to March 8, 2026. 

Sridhar said in an official SLC statement, "Sri Lankan players have always stood for instinctive brilliance, resilience, and collective spirit. My role is not to impose a system, but to nurture an environment where athleticism, awareness, and pride in the field can grow naturally."

Sridhar further added, "Fielding thrives when players feel connected to the ball, to each other, and to the moment. Sri Lanka's traditional strengths - quick hands, sharp reflexes, and fearless intent, can be further enhanced by creating realistic, game-like learning environments."

Sri Lanka are in Group B of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where they will face Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made an official announcement regarding the rescheduled dates of the sixth season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The tournament is now set to be held from July 8 to August 8, 2026. This move signifies a return to the league's usual mid-summer period, a timeframe that proved to be highly advantageous during previous seasons, including the 2023 one.

The shift in schedule is a result of SLC's decision to delay the tournament from late November to late December 2025, which was initially planned for the first week of December. This postponement was necessary as Sri Lanka is set to partner with India in the co-hosting arrangement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The global tournament is planned for the months of February and March 2026, and the SLC has made the revelation of the venue’s readiness and related infrastructural revamping at the three chosen World Cup venues a priority.

LPL rescheduled as Sri Lanka focuses on World Cup venues

The renovation project of the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo had already been put on hold due to Sri Lanka’s commitment as a co-host of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. Now, with another major ICC event approaching, SLC is directing all its efforts towards ensuring the timely completion of all stadium improvements, even if it means finishing ahead of the projected timeline. The board has pointed out that the requirement of meticulous planning for the hosting of back-to-back ICC events makes the alteration of the LPL schedule a very significant act.

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In an official press release, SLC confirmed that this action was taken with a view to the wider national cricketing priorities. The board stated, "The postponement was made with the requirement of preparing the host venues of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 well in advance, which directly justifies the league's mid-year return, constituting several previous editions."

The preparations are still there, and the attention is not just on the teams for the upcoming season, but also on team changes. The four franchises, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Marvels, and Kandy Falcons, have already decided on the 2026 season. Meanwhile, the Jaffna franchise, formerly known as the Jaffna Kings, remains in an uncertain future after SLC's decision to terminate the contract between them. The former owner, Lyca Group, was found unfit and was thus removed from the board. It is still unknown if SLC will rebrand the Jaffna team or if it will be completely replaced with a new franchise.

SLC is looking to the revamped dates to give both the LPL and the T20 World Cup the strategic attention and planning they need, thus ensuring a successful cricketing calendar for 2026.

PAK vs SL Pakistan T20I Tri-Series  Match Preview:

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face each other in the final of the T20 tri-series at the Rawalpindi Stadium on November 29, 2025. SL defeated Pakistan by 6 runs in their most recent encounter to make a remarkable comeback and secure a spot in the final. SL fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera took 4 wickets in that match, which proved to be the key to his team's progress to the final. SL's batting had been lacklustre in previous matches, but the team has gained confidence before the final.

Pakistan's strength is evident in their recent form—opener Sahibzada Farhan has scored the most runs in T20S this year and is also the top scorer in the tri-series. Furthermore, bowlers like Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed have shown good control, giving Pakistan a balanced side in the match.

PAK vs SL Recent Performance:

PAK vs SL Pakistan T20I Tri-Series  Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 
• Match: PAK vs SL Final Match
• Date: 29 Nov. 2025
• Match Start Time: 6:30 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Sports TV.

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

PAK vs SL Pitch & Weather Report:

There is a chance of rain and clouds during today's match. The forecast is for the temperature to reach around 15°C. Based on previous statistics, the average score at this venue ranges between 138 and 152 runs. The pitch provides good support to both batters and pacers.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Stats: 

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is balanced. There are equal opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers on the pitch. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

Pakistan (PAK) Probable 11:

1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Faheem Ashraf, 5. Mohammad Nawaz, 6. Agha Salman(C), 7. Fakhar Zaman, 8. Usman Khan-Shinwari(WK), 9. Muhammad Wasim, 10. Salman Mirza, 11. Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka (SL) Probable 11:

1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kamil Mishara(WK), 3. Kusal Mendis(WK), 4. Kusal Perera(WK), 5. Janith Liyanage, 6. Dasun Shanaka(C), 7. Pavan Rathnayake, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Eshan Malinga

PAK vs SL- Top Picks from PAK

PAK vs SL- Top Picks from SL

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Sahibzada Farhann (PAK) is the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in T20I matches this year.

Mohammad Nawaz (PAK) has put all the opposition batsmen in trouble with his spin bowling. This left-arm bowler is our top priority.

Pathum Nissanka (SL) will open the innings for SL. So far in this series, he has scored 123 runs at a strike rate of 132.26.

Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) is the most experienced all-rounder in the Sri Lankan team and can win matches with his bowling skills.

PAK vs SL Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

PAK vs SL Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

PAK is expected to win this match. Even though Sri Lanka won the last game, Farhan's excellent form is always a positive for Pakistan. Furthermore, they have the advantage of playing on their own ground.

PAK vs SL Final Match FAQ

Who is likely to win the PAK vs SL match today?

Pakistan (PAK) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Pakistan

Who are the top fantasy picks for the PAK vs SL Dream11 team?

Sahibzada Farhann, Mohammad Nawaz, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Babar Azam and Dushmantha Chameera

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 138 and 152 runs.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revealed that the board had assured the players of their safety and also instructed the team to continue playing matches as scheduled. The board had also laid out that any member of the touring parties who defied their instruction would need to go through a review. This happened following the suicide bombing in Islamabad.

Deliberations went late in the evening of November 12 regarding the future of the trip, with the players and the management of the SLC officials, and the security officials of Pakistan being involved in the discussion. With logistics being thrown off, the remaining two ODIs of the series have been pushed by a day.

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“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.” SL released the statement.

Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in remaining ODIs on November 14 and 16

The chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, has met the Sri Lanka players to reassure them regarding their safety and encourage them to continue the tour. The PCB also released a statement detailing that the briefing on the security provided to the Sri Lanka team has been provided.

“If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC's directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review,” SLC added in the official statement.

Sri Lanka suffered a terrorist attack in Pakistan in 2009 in Lahore, and was among the first teams to resume their trips to Pakistan after the long exile. In the opening Rawalpindi ODI, the hosts held their nerve for a six-run victory against Sri Lanka to go 1-0 up in the series. Salman Agha celebrated a fine century after they lost four wickets under 100 runs, including former captain and veteran batter Babar Azam.

Security has been tightened around the away Sri Lanka cricket team in Pakistan after a deadly suicide bombing rocked Islamabad on November 11, which killed 12 people and injured several others. The blast, which occurred outside a judicial complex in the capital, has heightened concerns as Sri Lanka continues their limited-overs trip in the country. 

The reports have claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who served as the Federal Minister for Interior, met the officials of Sri Lanka personally and players to assure them of ‘fool-proof security’ arrangements. Naqvi later visited the stadium to oversee security measures and brief the team about additional steps following the attack.

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“Security has been beefed up with Pakistan Army and the paramilitary Rangers now deputed to monitor safety for the visiting players and officials.” The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source has confirmed, as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).

PCB chief strengthens Sri Lanka’s security post Islamabad blast  

Pakistan’s interior Ministry has indirectly blamed the government led by the Afghan Taliban for allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from its soil. The tensions between the two neighbours have increased after failed peace talks in Doha and the military operations by Pakistan in the Afghan border areas. The 2009 terror attack before the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore remains a fresh, painful memory- one that Pakistan’s authorities are determined not to repeat the same mistake.

Pakistan posted 299 runs on the board with Salman Agha smashing a fine knock of 105 runs in 87 balls at a strike rate of 120 with the help of nine boundaries. Hussain Talat grabbed 62 runs with the help of six boundaries and one six while Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 36 runs in 23 balls at a strike rate of 156.52, thanks to five boundaries and one six.

Sri Lanka got 293/9 in their 50 overs and fell short of the target by six runs. Most of their batters got starts but couldn’t convert them to a big score, while Wanindu Hasaranga clubbed 59 runs in 52 balls.

Before the start of the opening clash of the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the players showed a great spirit of solidarity as they wore black armbands to observe a minute’s silence to pay homage to the left-arm spinner of Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga.

The one-minute silence was observed before the national anthem to honor the former player, who passed away during Sri Lanka’s last group-stage clash against Afghanistan on September 18. Dunith Wellalage received incredible support from the cricket fraternity around the world during the difficult phase.

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The spin all-rounder left the national camp after the end of the last game and attended his father’s funeral before rejoining the team on September 20. He has also been named in the playing eleven for the vital clash against Bangladesh. Wellalage has shown great courage and mental strength in this aspect in his short life.

Sri Lankan team are wearing black armband in today SL vs BAN Super 4 match in Asia Cup 2025

Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and decided to bowl first on a surface he expected to get slow in the second innings. Mehedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam came into the eleven with the management deciding to drop Nurul Hasan and Rishad Hossain from the team. Sri Lanka went unchanged in the eleven.

The wicket-keeper batter, Kusal Mendis, clubbed 34 runs in 25 balls at a strike rate of 136 with the help of three over boundaries and one six. The best contribution came from Dasun Shanaka, who nailed an unbeaten knock of 64 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 172.97, shouldering on three boundaries and six sixes as they posted 168/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sri Lanka, in reply, was at a good position at around 82 runs in around 10 overs. Saif Hassan drilled undefeated 47 runs in 33 balls at a strike rate of 142.42. Their wicket-keeper batter, Litton Das, was undefeated on 23 runs in 16 balls.

The two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, are likely to meet for the second round on September 21 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After Sri Lanka’s six-wicket victory over Afghanistan, the Charith Asalanka-led side qualified for the second stage of the event along with Bangladesh, who will lock horns on September 20.

Even though India is not qualified as the topper of the points table, it’s very likely for them to finish at that position. Unless they face a huge defeat against Oman, this is likely to be the scenario with Pakistan finishing as the second-ranked side.

All games of the stage will feature at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, apart from one game in Abu Dhabi between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Litton Das-led side will play back-to-back games on September 24 and 25.

Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: Know Teams, Schedule, Venue, Dates, Match Timings in details

Let’s take a look at all four teams and the schedule, venues, dates, and match timings, along with the respective squads for the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025.

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Asia Cup 2025: Qualified Teams

Group A- India and Pakistan

Group B- Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Asia Cup 2025: Super 4 Schedule

Asia Cup 2025 Squads for Super 4 stage- 

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Bangladesh: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwaindu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

The veteran left-arm fast bowler, Udeshaika Prabodhani, has come back for the Sri Lanka squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India after a long injury period. The batter, Imesha Dulani, who was omitted from the home tri-series against India and South Africa earlier, has also returned to the 15-member squad for the tournament, under Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership.

The 39-year-old Prabodhani, whose last international game for the Sri Lankan side came during the Women’s T20 World Cup in October last year, hasn’t featured in an ODI game since the Ireland trip in August 2024. She was in the recovery process from the persistent hamstring injury, as her return will boost the seam attack, including the 35-year-old Achini Kulasuriya and Malki Madara, the 24-year-old.

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The Darga Town-born has picked up 36 wickets in 65 innings of the Women’s ODIs at an average of under 50 and the best bowling figure of 3/35 in an innings. Meanwhile, Achini has picked up 20 wickets in 28 innings at an average of more than 44 with the best figures of 3/35 in an innings.

Sri Lanka pick equal mixture of youth and experience for Women’s ODI World Cup

The captain heads a settled batting line-up that includes Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickerama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Piumi Wathsala, and Anushka Sanjeewani. The 23-year-old Dulani has replaced the 17-year-old Nanayakkara in the squad and is going to serve as the backup batter.

Sri Lanka will start their campaign for the Women’s World Cup against India in Guwahati for the curtain raiser on September 30, before featuring in their next four clashes in Colombo, before they travel to Navi Mumbai to face Bangladesh. They return for the final league game against Pakistan at home. For that, they will take several spin bowling options in Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, and also the all-rounders, Athapaththu and Dilhari.

Sri Lanka’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad

Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Achini Kulasuriya, Piumi Badalge, Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera.

Sri Lanka has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Despite the Asia Cup 2025 to follow just a few days after the end of the trip, they have picked a strong 50-over side, perhaps for the preparation of the next ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Wanindu Hasaranga isn’t part of the three 50-over fixtures, which begin on August 29 and will continue to August 31 and September 03, as all the games will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. The spinner isn’t part of the side in ODIs and is expected to be part of the T20Is, which will be followed by the Asia Cup 2025 a few days later.

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Pathum Nissanka has cracked the formats beautifully recently. In 69 ODI innings, the right-handed batter has smashed 2548 runs at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of nearly 90 with the help of six centuries and 16 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 210 runs.

Sri Lanka rest Wanindu Hasaranga for away Zimbabwe ODIs

The responsibility of the captain will be immense. Leader, Charith Asalanakar, who has now clubbed 2544 runs in 68 innings at an average of 43.86 and a strike rate of 90.88, with five centuries and 16 fifties at the best score of 127 runs, will look to lead the side from the front.  

Maheesh Theekshana who has 77 wickets in 54 ODI innings, at an average of 26.26 and an economy rate of 4.57. He has the skill of handling the new ball beautifully and picking inside the power play. Asitha Fernando has also grown with skills for the new ball bowling.

Sri Lanka will also have Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay to use the old ball in the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera will be another fast bowler who can use his expressive pace to trouble the batters.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe series

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwaindu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyange, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed their white-ball trip to Sri Lanka in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The tour will consist of three 50-over clashes and as many T20Is from January 22, as the aim for the two-time champions will be to prepare their best to earn their third title.

England won their first two trophies of the event in 2009 and 2022, as most of their players will look to earn the best experience on the subcontinental conditions. The series will mark the Harry Brook-led side’s first-white-ball trip in more than seven years, with the last visit coming in 2018 when they clinched the ODI series by 3-1 and won the lone T20I.

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The last fixture between these two sides during the shortest format came during the victorious 2022 T20 World Cup event, where they beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in their group-stage clash. The Asian team’s upcoming T20I series comes against Zimbabwe away from home in September.

England to tour Sri Lanka for white-ball series in January 2026

The new white-ball captain of the Three Lions, Harry Brook, has shed light on his appointment to the position: “I am looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups, and major events for the future. England will also end their ongoing home summer with a white-ball series during the second week of September in Cardiff.

It's a hard reality for the players. The first ODI of the Sri Lanka trip starts just a couple of weeks after the scheduled fifth day of the fifth Ashes 2025/26 Test in Sydney. Most of their players will be drained after seven weeks of red-ball fixtures down under.

That could give some chances to the new players to get settled comfortably. However, most of the top World Cup players are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for the three T20Is as preparation.

England’s white-ball series to Sri Lanka in 2026