Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-member ODI squad for the upcoming tri-nation series against Pakistan and England. Kusal Mendis will lead the side, while Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige have earned recalls. Pathum Nissanka has also been included, subject to medical clearance.
The ODI tri-series will be played from October 18 to 31 as part of the teams’ preparations for the 2027 ICC World Cup in Africa. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with each team playing the other two sides twice before the top two meet in the final. Matches will be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Avishka Fernando, Sahan Arachchige Earn Sri Lanka ODI Recalls
Avishka Fernando has returned to the ODI squad after an impressive domestic season. The batter last represented the country against Australia in February 2025. He scored 447 runs in seven domestic matches at an average of 63.85, including two centuries and a half-century.
Sahan Arachchige has also earned a recall after a two-year absence from the senior ODI side. The 30-year-old batting all-rounder made his ODI debut against the West Indies during the 2023 World Cup qualifiers and has regularly led Sri Lanka A.
Pathum Nissanka has been retained in the ODI setup despite his recent hamstring problem. His selection remains subject to medical clearance, and SLC has stated that he will travel with the team only if he is declared fit.
Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga Miss Out
The biggest change in the ODI squad is the omission of former white-ball captain Charith Asalanka. He endured a difficult tour of England, scoring only 19 runs across three ODIs.
Asalanka also scored only 57 runs in the three-match T20I series in England. He had captained the team in the T20Is in the absence of Kusal Mendis and served as vice-captain during the ODI series.
Wanindu Hasaranga has also been omitted from the ODI squad. The experienced all-rounder was sent home from England after complaining of back pain. Hasaranga struggled to make a significant impact with either bat or ball during the England T20I series.
Dasun Shanaka has retained his place despite not playing a match during the England tour. Pavan Rathnayake, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage are among the other players in the squad.
Sri Lanka Have Strong Pace and Spin Options for Pakistan Tri-Series
Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga are the main pace options, while Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana and Sachindu Colombage provide spin.
Dilshan Madushanka’s workload will be managed carefully to keep the left-arm pacer fresh for the ODI series. Dushmantha Chameera has also been included in the ODI squad after his recent fitness concerns.
The tri-series begins with Pakistan facing the Kusal Mendis-led team in Rawalpindi on October 18. Pakistan will then play England at the same venue on October 20, before Sri Lanka meet England on October 22.
The action will move to Lahore for the second round of matches, with Pakistan taking on England on October 25 and the Kusal Mendis-led team facing Pakistan on October 27. Sri Lanka will then play England on October 29, followed by the final in Lahore on October 31.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad:
Kusal Mendis (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Also read: Sri Lanka announce T20I squad for Pakistan series; Kusal Mendis named as captain
