Sri Lanka named a 15-player Test squad on Tuesday, October 13 2026, for their two-match series against Pakistan scheduled in November. Kusal Mendis will captain the side, which travels to Pakistan for Tests in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Opener Pathum Nissanka has been included in the squad but his availability for the first Test remains conditional on him returning to full fitness before the match begins. Spinner Anjala Bandara has been handed a maiden Test call-up, making him one of the notable new faces in the touring party.
The first Test is scheduled for November 9 in Rawalpindi, with the second following on November 17 in Lahore. Both matches are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, meaning the results carry points implications for both sides.
What is Pathum Nissanka’s availability for the Pakistan Tests?
Nissanka has been named in the squad, but his participation in the Rawalpindi Test on November 9 depends on whether he recovers to full fitness in time. Sri Lanka’s selectors have not named a reserve opener in the squad at this stage, which suggests they expect him to be available before the series begins.
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Nissanka is a key top-order batter for Sri Lanka in the longest format. His presence or absence will have a direct bearing on how the batting line-up is structured for both Tests. The team management is expected to provide a clearer update on his condition closer to the first match.
Why has Anjala Bandara been selected for the first time?
Anjala Bandara’s inclusion marks a significant step in his career, as this is his first call-up to the Sri Lanka Test squad. His selection reflects the confidence the national selectors have placed in him to contribute at the highest level of the game.
The two-Test series in Pakistan offers Bandara a meaningful platform for a potential debut. With the series counting towards the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship standings, any contribution he makes will carry weight beyond just personal milestones. The squad as a whole blends experienced campaigners with newer faces, pointing to a deliberate effort by the selectors to develop depth in the Test setup.
Sri Lanka full squad for two-Test series against Pakistan
Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya De Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
