Sri Lanka Cricket’s Selection Committee named a 16-member squad on October 4 2026 for the ODI Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan. The tournament features Pakistan as hosts alongside England and follows a five-match format across the group stage and final.
Kusal Mendis has been appointed captain of the ODI side. The series follows directly from Sri Lanka’s T20I assignment in Pakistan, with the ODI leg beginning once that tour concludes, giving the team management continuity in their planning across both formats during the same trip.
One significant condition attached to the announcement concerns opener Pathum Nissanka. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that his participation is subject to medical clearance, and he will travel to Pakistan only if declared fit by the medical staff. No details about the nature of his condition have been provided in the official communication.
What does Nissanka’s fitness concern mean for Sri Lanka’s batting?
Nissanka is a key figure at the top of Sri Lanka’s ODI batting order, and his availability will be closely monitored before the squad departs. Sri Lanka Cricket has made clear that he will join the group only upon receiving a clean bill of health from the medical team. Should he be ruled out, the batting line-up at the top would require reorganisation, though the selection committee has not named a replacement or indicated a contingency plan at this stage. The absence of any named cover in the official communication suggests the management is confident of a positive medical outcome before the squad travels.
How does the tri-series format shape Sri Lanka’s preparation?
The five-match ODI Tri-Nation Series gives each participating team multiple fixtures before the final, offering Sri Lanka a meaningful block of competitive cricket in the 50-over format. The squad reflects a blend of experience and recent white-ball form. Dasun Shanaka, a former ODI captain, is included alongside established performers such as Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka.
The ODI series running back-to-back with the T20I leg of the tour allows the management to maintain rhythm and build combinations across formats. With England also involved, Sri Lanka will face two contrasting challenges that provide a thorough examination of their 50-over depth ahead of future ICC commitments.
Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan ODI Tri-Nation Series
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (Captain), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
