Sri Lanka will be without senior cricketers Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Nissanka has been ruled out with a right-leg strain, while Hasaranga continues to recover from a lower-back issue.
The upcoming T20I series will be played entirely at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from October 9 to 13. It will begin a multi-format tour for the island nation, with an ODI Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan and England followed by two Test matches in November.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out of Pakistan T20Is
Pathum Nissanka will miss the T20I series after suffering a right-leg strain. Wanindu Hasaranga continues his rehabilitation from a lower-back problem. Both players are targeting a return for the ODI Tri-Series starting October 18, subject to their match fitness.
In Hasaranga’s absence, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is likely to provide the spin cover. Sahan Arachchige and Chamindu Wickramasinghe are also among the players being considered for the series.
Kusal Mendis will return to the side and take charge of the team. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter is also expected to open the innings, giving the team an established option at the top of the order.
Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga are out of Sri Lanka’s T20I series in Pakistan.
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) October 2, 2026
Nissanka has a right-leg strain; Hasaranga is still recovering from a lower-back issue. Both are aiming for the ODI tri-series from 18 October, subject to match fitness.
Kusal Mendis returns as… pic.twitter.com/asxFuwBCbz
Sahan Aarachchige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Chamindu Wickramasinghe are among the players being considered for Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, NewsWire learns. pic.twitter.com/qtuCVRt8mw
— Cricwire (@CricWireLK) October 2, 2026
Sri Lanka Look to Bounce Back After Difficult T20I Run
The Sri Lankan team suffered a heavy defeat against India in the 2026 Asian Games semi-final in Nisshin, where they were bowled out for just 45 in 9.5 overs while chasing 170.
India won the match by 124 runs after posting 169/7. Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten 80, while the visitors struggled against India’s bowling attack throughout the chase. It was Sri Lanka’s lowest-ever T20I total and matched the lowest total recorded by a Full Member side.
Before the Asian Games, Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 T20I series loss to England in September. They lost the first match in Southampton by 119 runs after England scored 254/4. They then suffered a six-wicket defeat in Cardiff, before losing the final match in Manchester by eight wickets.
Earlier in the year, the team reached the second round of the home T20 World Cup and also secured a 2-1 away series victory against the West Indies in June.
Sri Lanka Begin Gruelling Multi-Format Pakistan Tour
All three T20Is will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium under lights. The opening match is scheduled for Friday, October 9, with the second T20I on Sunday, October 11, and the final match on Tuesday, October 13. All three games will begin at 8:00 PM PKT (8:30 PM IST).
The tour will then move into the 50-over format, with the side joining Pakistan and England for an ODI Tri-Nation Series from October 18 to 31. Notably, the matches will be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
They will then finish the tour with two ICC World Test Championship matches. The first Test is scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
Also read: What happens if rain washes out India vs Pakistan Asian Games 2026 final? Gold medal rule explained
