Kusal Mendis to lead Sri Lanka on first Test tour as captain
“Sri Lanka have named fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara in their squad for the two-Test tour of Pakistan in November, handing both players their maiden Test call-ups while recal…”
Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in his first series as Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the role. Bandara replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who was recalled for the home Test series against India in August but has been omitted from the latest squad.
Malinga, who has established himself in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams, earned his maiden Test call-up after taking 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15. The 22-year-old Bandara has been rewarded for his impressive first-class record.
He averages 65.85 after 31 matches, having scored seven centuries and seven half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 200. Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, who featured in the second Test against India in Colombo, have been dropped, along with all-rounder Sahan Arachchige.
"Stay connected with Aman-e-Pakistan for ongoing live reporting and verified investigative updates."
Experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal returns to the squad after being substituted out of the first Test in Galle due to concussion.— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC)October 13, 2026Pathum Nissanka has been named subject to fitness clearance and will travel to Pakistan only if declared medically fit.
Sri Lanka’s spin attack will be led by Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, with all-rounder Sonal Dinusha also included after an impressive series against India. The pace attack features Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Madushanka and Malinga, while Vishwa Fernando has been left out.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are currently contesting a three-match T20I series, with the final match scheduled for Tuesday. Pakistan have already secured a 2-0 lead in the series. Following the T20I series, Sri Lanka will participate in an ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31.
Sri Lanka will face England in Rawalpindi on October 22 before the teams move to Lahore for the remaining group-stage fixtures. Pakistan will take on England on October 25 and Sri Lanka on October 27, with both matches scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka and England will meet in the final group-stage fixture on October 29. The top two teams will qualify for the final, which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31. After the tri-series, Sri Lanka will play a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 before beginning their two-Test series against Pakistan.
The series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. The first Test will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, while the second will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Tests:Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), 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.
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