Sri Lanka ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England, with a couple of notable names returning to the side. The biggest talking point is the comeback of Sahan Arachchige, who has been recalled to the Sri Lankan ODI setup after an absence of around two years.
Avishka Fernando has also earned his place back in the squad after a strong run in domestic cricket. The experienced opening batter is in line to play his first ODI for Sri Lanka since February 2025.
The tri-series will be played in Pakistan from October 18 to 31, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in the opening game before England enter the competition. The tournament is also an important part of all three teams’ preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Sahan Arachchige gets another ODI opportunity
Sahan Arachchige’s return is one of the most interesting selections in the Sri Lanka squad. The 30-year-old batting all-rounder made his ODI debut during the 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign but struggled to establish himself as a regular member of the senior team.
His performances away from the international spotlight have kept him in the selectors’ plans, particularly through his involvement with Sri Lanka A. Now, with Wanindu Hasaranga unavailable, Arachchige gets another opportunity to make a case for himself at the highest level.
Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series because of injury. He had also been left out of Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the Pakistan series, with the selectors managing the injury situation ahead of the longer tour.
For Arachchige, the timing could hardly be more important. Sri Lanka are beginning to build a settled combination for the 2027 World Cup, and performances in a competitive tri-series against Pakistan and England could have a direct impact on the team’s plans.
Avishka Fernando returns after impressive domestic form
Avishka Fernando is another major addition to the Sri Lanka squad. The right-handed opener last played an ODI for the country against Australia in February 2025.
His recall comes after an excellent domestic campaign. Fernando has scored 447 runs at an average of 63.85 in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament and is currently the competition’s leading run-scorer. More importantly, he has scored two centuries in his last three List A appearances, including a career-best 160.
That form has made Fernando difficult for the selectors to ignore.
Sri Lanka already have several options at the top of the order, including Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara and captain Kusal Mendis. Fernando therefore faces a genuine battle for a place in the playing XI.
However, his ability to attack from the beginning of an innings could give Sri Lanka an extra dimension. In modern ODI cricket, teams increasingly need openers capable of putting pressure on the bowling attack during the first 10 overs, and Fernando’s recent domestic numbers suggest he is in good touch.
There is one fitness-related concern surrounding the top order. Pathum Nissanka has been included in the 16-member squad, but his travel is conditional on him receiving medical clearance.
Charith Asalanka misses out
While Fernando and Arachchige return, Charith Asalanka has been left out of the squad.
Asalanka’s omission comes after a difficult ODI series in England. Sri Lanka lost that series 2-1, while Asalanka struggled for runs, making only 1, 11 and 7 in the three matches.
He was also left out of the Sri Lankan T20I squad for the Pakistan series, meaning his recent return to the national setup has been cut short.
The selectors have not named a vice-captain for the ODI tri-series, leaving Kusal Mendis as the confirmed captain.
Mendis himself enters the tournament with plenty of responsibility. He will be expected to lead a side that is trying to find the right balance between experienced campaigners and players who could become important parts of Sri Lanka’s 2027 World Cup plans.
Sri Lanka keep four frontline pacers
The bowling department has a familiar look, with Sri Lanka selecting four specialist fast bowlers in Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
Asitha Fernando in particular will be one to watch. He was Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker during their recent ODI series against England, claiming seven wickets.
The spin department includes Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage. The combination gives Kusal Mendis several options depending on the conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Dasun Shanaka also provides valuable all-round depth, while Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage give the middle order additional flexibility.
On paper, Sri Lanka’s squad has a useful mix of experience and emerging talent. The bigger question will be whether the returning players can immediately translate their recent form into international performances.
Sri Lanka’s tri-series schedule
The ODI tri-series will begin on October 18, when Pakistan face Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
England will then play Pakistan on October 20, followed by Sri Lanka against England on October 22. The tournament moves to Lahore for the second round of matches, with the final scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium.
ODI tri-series schedule:
- October 18 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi
- October 20 – Pakistan vs England, Rawalpindi
- October 22 – Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi
- October 25 – Pakistan vs England, Lahore
- October 27 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore
- October 29 – Sri Lanka vs England, Lahore
- October 31 – Tri-series final, Lahore
The tournament comes at an important stage of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup. With less than a year to go before the global tournament, every ODI gives the selectors another chance to assess their preferred combinations.
For Arachchige and Fernando, however, the stakes are even higher. Both players have been handed another opportunity to force their way into Sri Lanka’s long-term plans.
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