Sri Lanka Cricket Team

• Captain: Dasun Shanaka
• Head Coach: Sanath Jayasuriya
• T20 World Cup Debut Year: 2007
• Best Finish in T20 World Cup: Champions (2014)

Sri Lanka Team Bio

Sri Lanka’s cricket team, affectionately known as the Lions, has been a force in T20 cricket since the format’s inception. They made their T20 World Cup debut in 2007 and achieved their pinnacle by winning the title in 2014 under Dinesh Chandimal’s leadership, defeating India in the final, a fitting farewell for legends Kumar Sangakkara and Maheela Jayawardene in their last T20I appearances. The team has reached the final on another occasion (runners-up in 2012) and consistently performed in the group/super stages in most editions.

Renowned for explosive batting, clever spin bowling, and death-over specialists, Sri Lanka’s T20 strength lies in players like Wanindu Hasaranga’s leg-spin wizardry, Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy pace, and all-rounders such as Dasun Shanaka. The 2026 edition holds special significance as co-hosts, with matches in familiar conditions that could favour their spin-heavy attack and passionate home crowds. Under Sanath Jayasuriya’s coaching and Shanaka’s captaincy, the squad blends experience with emerging talent, targeting a deep run or another title to add to their legacy. With a history of thriving in high-pressure games, Sri Lanka remains a dangerous contender capable of upsetting top teams.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew

Sri Lanka schedule for T20 World Cup 2026