Sri Lanka’s young pace sensation Eshan Malinga is set to make his T20I debut after being named in the national squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting July 10 in Pallekele. The 24-year-old impressed with his performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025, where he picked up 13 wickets in just 7 matches.
Malinga has already featured in six ODIs for Sri Lanka, but his breakthrough in the shortest format comes after a standout IPL season. Known for his ability to extract reverse swing with the older ball, Malinga’s variations and sharp accuracy made him a key asset for SRH, especially during the death overs.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad Features Blend of Youth and Experience
The selectors have opted for a balanced squad featuring experienced names and promising young talents. Charith Asalanka will lead the side, with senior players like Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Wanindu Hasaranga providing stability.
Also making headlines are RCB pacer Nuwan Thushara and CSK’s Matheesha Pathirana, both known for their slingy actions and ability to bowl at the death. Dasun Shanaka, who recently played for Gujarat Titans (GT) as a replacement for Glenn Phillips in IPL 2025, returns to bolster the middle order.
Another notable inclusion is Chamika Karunaratne, making a comeback to the T20I side after nearly two years. The all-rounder last featured in a T20I during Sri Lanka’s 2023 tour of New Zealand.
T20I Series Schedule and Context
The three-match series will take place between July 10 and July 16, across Pallekele, Dambulla, and Colombo. It follows an ongoing ODI series currently tied at 1-1. Bangladesh bounced back with a 16-run win in the second ODI after losing the opener by 77 runs.
This T20I series not only offers players like Eshan Malinga a chance to cement their places ahead of future tournaments but also gives both teams a good opportunity to test combinations ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup preparations.
Full Sri Lanka T20I Squad vs Bangladesh:
Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
