The 17-member Sri Lanka T20I squad announced for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
The squad, captained by Charith Asalanka, features five significant changes from the team that faced Bangladesh in July 2025, signaling a strategic reshuffle as Sri Lanka gears up for the Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE.
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With a blend of fresh talent and returning players, the squad aims to address recent T20I shortcomings while building momentum for the continental tournament.
The most notable absence is star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who will miss the series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the ODI series against Bangladesh in July 2025.
Additionally, experienced top-order batters Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando have been dropped, alongside fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wrist-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, as selectors prioritize in-form players and emerging talent.
The squad announcement has generated buzz with the inclusion of 20-year-old Vishen Halambage, who earns his maiden T20I call-up. Halambage, a domestic sensation known for his explosive batting as an opener, has caught the selectors’ eye with standout performances in recent white-ball domestic tournaments.
Another highlight is the return of 24-year-old Kamil Mishara, who last played a T20I for Sri Lanka against Australia in 2022. Mishara, who scored 114 runs in 5 games at a strike rate of 172.72 in the recently concluded SLC T20 League, is set to bolster the Sri Lankan top order.
The squad welcomes back Nuwanidu Fernando, a 25-year-old batter whose recent form, including 155 runs in 5 games with an average of 77.50 + strike rate of 124 in SLC T20 League 2025, has earned him a spot to solidify the No. 4 position, a long-standing concern for Sri Lanka in T20Is.
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Dushan Hemantha, a leg-spinning all-rounder and regular in Sri Lanka ‘A’ assignments, has also earned his first T20I nod. Tasked with filling Hasaranga’s shoes, Hemantha’s selection underscores Sri Lanka Cricket’s focus on building spin-bowling depth, a critical factor for the Asia Cup.
The pace attack sees the return of experienced pacer Dushmantha Chameera, who makes a T20I comeback after a 19-month hiatus. Chameera, who missed the Bangladesh T20I series, will bolster a formidable pace unit alongside Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Binura Fernando.
Harare Sports Club Grounds is set to host all three matches which will be played on the 3rd, 6th and 7th September.
Cricket fans can watch Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – LIVE on ThePapare 1 and ThePapare 1 HD (Dialog Television Ch. 62 and 126) and Dialog ViU app from 29th August onwards.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad
1) Charith Asalanka – Captain
2) Pathum Nissanka
3) Kusal Mendis
4) Kusal Perera
5) Nuwanidu Fernando
6) Kamindu Mendis
7) Kamil Mishara
8) Vishen Halambage
9) Dasun Shanaka
10) Dunith Wellalage
11) Chamika Karunaratne
12) Maheesh Theekshana
13) Dushan Hemantha
14) Dushmantha Chameera
15) Binura Fernando
16) Nuwan Thushara
17) Matheesha Pathirana
