T20 World Cup 2026 Team Review: Sri Lanka Look to Fix Home Woes, Rely on Nissanka and Spin Strength
Sri Lanka head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a mix of uncertainty and opportunity, banking heavily on home conditions and a core group of experienced performers to push for their first ICC title since lifting the trophy in 2014. Despite an inconsistent run in recent years, the hosts believe that familiar conditions and key player form could help them peak at the right time.
The Lankan side will rely strongly on opener Pathum Nissanka, skipper Dasun Shanaka, and the spin combination of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana as they attempt to make full use of home advantage. While Sri Lanka no longer possess the aura of their golden generation featuring Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan, the current squad carries significant T20 experience and depth.
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Since the last T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka’s overall record has been underwhelming. They have played 33 T20 internationals, winning 13 matches, losing 18, with two games ending in ties. In terms of series results, Sri Lanka have taken part in 10 bilateral or multi-team tournaments, managing to win only two.
Their home form has been particularly concerning. Sri Lanka lost a home series against India in July 2024, drawing 0-2 with one match tied, followed by a narrow 2-1 win over West Indies in October 2024. A 1-1 draw against New Zealand in November 2024 offered some balance, but defeats continued with losses to Bangladesh at home in July 2025 and a heavy 0-3 series defeat to England at home between January and February 2026. They also suffered a Super Four exit in the Asia Cup in the UAE and finished runners-up in a tri-nation series in Pakistan involving Zimbabwe. Overall, Sri Lanka have won just five of their 16 T20Is at home since the last World Cup.
Individually, Pathum Nissanka has emerged as Sri Lanka’s most consistent batter in the format. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has scored 1,156 runs in 33 matches at an average of 36.12 and a strike rate close to 141, including one century and eight half-centuries. Kusal Mendis has added 796 runs at an average of 26.53, while Kusal Janith Perera has chipped in with 635 runs at a strike rate of nearly 140, including a century.
With the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka’s standout performer, taking 41 wickets in 26 matches at an impressive average of 18.29. Dushmantha Chameera has also been effective, claiming 28 wickets in just 16 matches at an average of 16.50. Maheesh Theekshana has picked up 26 wickets in 27 games, offering control and variation in the middle overs.
One of Sri Lanka’s biggest positives heading into the tournament is Nissanka’s growth as a T20 batter. The 27-year-old has not only delivered consistently for the national side but has also impressed in franchise cricket. His breakout performances in the International League T20 last year, where he scored 243 runs in six innings at a strike rate close to 187, highlighted his increasing confidence and attacking range.
The spin duo of Hasaranga and Theekshana remains another major strength. Both spinners are highly experienced in local conditions and have also performed well on Indian surfaces. On turning pitches, they remain capable of controlling games and dismantling opposition batting line-ups.
However, Sri Lanka’s weaknesses are equally evident. Their prolonged poor run at home has raised concerns, with just one series win in five attempts since the last World Cup. Middle-order inconsistency has further compounded their problems. Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis and skipper Shanaka have all struggled for runs, with averages hovering around the mid-to-late teens. As a result, the batting burden has fallen heavily on Nissanka, Perera and emerging prospect Kamil Mishara, who is seen as a promising option at number three.
Another issue for Sri Lanka has been their conservative batting approach. The team’s overall strike rate of 124.83, with the top seven batters operating at just under 130, highlights a lack of aggression compared to leading teams such as India, South Africa and England. Addressing this approach will be crucial if Sri Lanka are to compete with the tournament’s most explosive sides.
Sri Lanka are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 8, hoping that home conditions and a timely surge in form can help them overcome recent struggles and mount a serious title challenge.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
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