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Sri Lanka Cricket have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis appointed as the new captain. The squad includes players yet to make their Test debuts, while left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has also returned to the team. The series is scheduled to begin on November 9, 2026, in Rawalpindi.
Kusal Mendis Named Sri Lanka Test Captain for Pakistan Series
Sri Lanka Cricket announced the squad on October 13, confirming Kusal Mendis as the team's new Test captain. He takes over the leadership role after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down.
The Pakistan tour will be an important opportunity for Mendis to establish himself as a leader in Test cricket. He will be expected to guide Sri Lanka against Pakistan in the two-match series.
Sri Lanka Test Squad 2026: Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara Get Opportunities
Sri Lanka have included fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara in their 15-member squad.
Eshan Malinga, who has already represented Sri Lanka in ODI and T20I cricket, is yet to make his Test debut. The Pakistan series could provide him with an opportunity to play his first match in the longest format.
Anjala Bandara has also earned a place in the squad despite not having made his international debut. He has been selected in place of Niroshan Dickwella.
Dilshan Madushanka Returns to Sri Lanka's Test Squad
Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has returned to Sri Lanka's Test squad ahead of the Pakistan tour. His inclusion gives the team another pace-bowling option for the upcoming series.
Sri Lanka will look to build a balanced bowling attack capable of challenging Pakistan's batters in home conditions.
Pathum Nissanka's Fitness Raises Concerns Ahead of Pakistan Test Series
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka's participation in the Test series remains subject to his fitness. Sri Lanka Cricket have expressed concerns about his condition, while the other 14 players in the squad have been reported to be fully fit.
Nissanka's availability will be important for Sri Lanka's batting plans. If he is unable to play, the team may need to adjust its opening combination before the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka's Full 15-Member Test Squad for Pakistan Tour 2026
Kusal Mendis (Captain), Pathum Nissanka*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
Note: Pathum Nissanka's participation is subject to his fitness.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: Full Schedule, Dates and Venues
The two-match Test series will be played at two venues in Pakistan. The opening match will take place in Rawalpindi, followed by the second Test in Lahore.
- First Test: November 9, 2026 – Rawalpindi
- Second Test: November 17, 2026 – Lahore
Pakistan Win T20I Series Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Tour
Before the Test series, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are competing in a three-match T20I series. Pakistan won the first two matches to secure the series, with the third and final match scheduled for October 13 in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka will now aim to shift their focus to Test cricket and prepare for the upcoming challenge against Pakistan.
Can Kusal Mendis Lead Sri Lanka to a Strong Performance Against Pakistan?
Kusal Mendis will begin his tenure as Sri Lanka's Test captain with a challenging away series. The inclusion of new players, Madushanka's return and Nissanka's fitness will be key talking points ahead of the opening match.
Sri Lanka will look to compete strongly in both Tests. For Mendis, the series represents an early opportunity to establish his leadership credentials and build momentum for the team's future in Test cricket.
