Rajapaksa, Malinga make T20 comeback
Pathirana has been sidelined due to illness, while the others have been dropped primarily because of their recent form at the Asia Cup. Wellalage, Karunaratne and Fernando were all part of Sri Lanka’s last two tours – Zimbabwe and the Asia Cup – but failed to make a notable impact, prompting selectors to make changes for the forthcoming series.
Accordingly, leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, seamers Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga have been included in the 16-man squad, which is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Sports.
Hemantha, despite an impressive showing in Zimbabwe, missed out on selection for the Asia Cup following Wanindu Hasaranga’s return. In his debut series, Hemantha claimed four wickets, including best figures of 3 for 38 against Zimbabwe.
Rajapaksa, the explosive left-hander, returns to the side after a lengthy absence as the selectors look to reinforce the middle order. He last represented Sri Lanka in January against New Zealand, and calls for his recall grew louder following the team’s inconsistent batting performances.
Asitha Fernando earns a recall to the T20 side after a year, while Malinga – who has featured in six ODIs for Sri Lanka – also finds a place. Malinga impressed for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2025 IPL, claiming 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18.30 – only behind Pat Cummins (16) and Harshal Patel (16) for SRH, both of whom played twice as many games. Since making his T20 debut in 2022, Malinga has gone wicketless only once in 27 innings.
Meanwhile, the selectors have appointed Dasun Shanaka as vice-captain of the T20 side, believing that his previous leadership experience will provide valuable support to skipper Charith Asalanka, who has come under scrutiny for his recent poor form and tactical errors. The tri-series will kick off on November 19 in Rawalpindi and conclude with the finals on November 29 in Lahore.
This is Sri Lanka first series since October 2017 where Sri Lanka first visited Pakistan after the 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lanka cricketers.
