SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS – JANUARY 2026

SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS
(JANUARY 2026)
Compiled by Victor Melder

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member squad selected to represent the country at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6. The squad was selected by the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel, with Vimath Dinsara of Royal College, Colombo, appointed as captain, while Kavija Gamage of Kingswood College, Kandy, will serve as vice-captain.The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to depart for Namibia on January 1, 2026, ahead of the global youth tournament.

Sri Lanka U19 Squad:

1. Vimath Dinsara (Captain) – Royal College, Colombo
2. Kavija Gamage (Vice Captain) – Kingswood College, Kandy
3. Dimantha Mahavithana – Trinity College, Kandy
4. Viran Chamuditha – St. Servatius College, Matara
5. Dulnith Sigera – Mahanama College, Colombo
6. Chamika Heentigala – Mahanama College, Colombo
7. Adam Hilmy – Trinity College, Kandy
8. Chamarindu Nethsara – St. Servatius College, Matara
9. Sethmika Seneviratne – Trinity College, Kandy
10. Kugathas Mathulan – St. John’s College, Jaffna
11. Rasith Nimsara – Lyceum International College, Wattala
12. Vigneshwaran Akash – St. Joseph’s College, Maradana
13. Jeewantha Sriram – Wesley College, Colombo
14. Senuja Wekunagoda – St. Joseph’s College, Maradana
15. Malintha Silva – St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa. (Daily Mirror, 1.1.2026)

India has agreed to play additional Twenty20 International (T20I) matches during their tour of Sri Lanka in August as a gesture of support for relief and recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chairman Shammi Silva said. Speaking to the media, Silva said the extra T20Is will be played when the Indian national team tours Sri Lanka later this year for their ICC World Test Championship series. He said the decision reflects India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused extensive damage in several parts of the country. Silva also revealed that India had earlier agreed to tour Sri Lanka in late December to play two T20 internationals specifically aimed at raising funds for cyclone relief. However, the matches could not be organised due to time constraints and the unavailability of a broadcaster. “There was willingness from India to come down at the end of December to play two T20Is to raise funds, but there was simply no time to organise it, especially with no broadcaster available,” Silva said. The SLC Chairman expressed appreciation for India’s support, noting that the additional matches scheduled for August are expected to generate much-needed revenue and public attention for ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts. (Daily Mirror ,3.1.2026)

The touring Pakistani’s beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20 played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Scores:

Sri Lanka – 128 in 19.2 Over (Liyanage 40, Asalanka 18, Hasaranga 18, Mirza 3/18, Ahmed 3/25, Wasim 2/7, Khan 2/25)

Pakistan – 129/4 in 16.4 Overs (Farkan 51, Ayub 24, de Silva ¼, Hasaranga 1/17)

Player of the Match: (Shadeb Khan (Pakistan)  

Sri Lanka Cricket have strengthened their backroom staff ahead of the World Cup by roping in former India opener Vikram Rathour as Batting Coach. The 56-year-old brings a weighty CV to the dressing room, having been part of the Indian coaching set-up that lifted the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2024. Rathour is expected to stay on through the six-match white-ball series against England at R. Premadasa Stadium and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, before overseeing the team’s final tune-up for the World Cup. With a proven track record and a reputation for technical clarity, SLC will be hoping he can help the batters find their range before the big dance. SLC have steadily been bolstering their support staff. Power-hitting coach Julian Wood was hired last year and continues to work with both the men’s and women’s teams from the High Performance Centre. Former India Fielding Coach R. Sridhar has also had a stint with Sri Lanka overseeing fielding standards and is currently in Dambulla working with the squad involved in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. Adding further firepower to the coaching arsenal, Sri Lanka great Lasith Malinga has been drafted in as fast-bowling coach up to the World Cup. (Daily Island, 8.1.2026)

The second T20 International between Sri Lanka and the visiting Pakistan side, scheduled for today (09) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, was abandoned due to persistent rain.(Daily Island, 9.1.2026)

Sri Lanka beat the touring Pakistanis by 14 runs to win the third and final T20, in a rain-affected game played at Rangiri International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla. (Game reduced to 12 Overs each side) Scores:

Sri Lanka – 160/6 in 12 Overs (Shanaka 34, Kusal Mendis 30, Liyanage 22no, Wasim 3/54, Nawazz 1/8)

Pakistan – 146/8 in 12 Overs (Agha 45, Nawaz 28,Nafay 26, Hasaranga 4/35, Paythirane 2/34)

Player of the Match: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)  .Player of the Series: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

T20 Debut: Khawaja Nafay (Pakistan)

3-match series, drawn 1-1

Sri Lanka all‑rounder Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva has risen to second place in the latest ICC T20I bowler rankings, following his standout performance in the recent series against Pakistan. Hasaranga’s series‑drawing display helped the leg‑spinner gain three spots, securing the No. 2 position among T20I bowlers worldwide.In addition, Hasaranga broke into the top ten of the ICC T20I all‑rounder rankings, climbing two places to 9th position. (Ceylon Today, 15.1.2026)

Batter Kusal Janith Perera and seamer Nuwan Thushara have been left out of the 16-man squad selected for Sri Lanka’s three-match T20 series against England later this month, virtually ending their hopes of playing the home World Cup next month. For Kusal Janith, the writing had been on the wall for some time. Though he was named in the extended 18-man squad for the recently concluded series against Pakistan, the left-hander never made it into the playing eleven. That omission spoke louder than any official explanation. Once a match-winner at the highest level and a batter capable of changing games in a matter of overs, Kusal Janith now finds himself on the outside looking in, with his hopes of forcing his way into the World Cup squad, all but extinguished. In a format where intent, consistency and fitness are non-negotiable, the selectors appear to have decided that sentiment has no place in their calculations. Nuwan Thushara’s exclusion, meanwhile, has been driven by performance rather than reputation. The seamer featured in the opening match of the Pakistan series but endured a torrid outing, conceding 31 runs from just two overs. More concerning than the figures was the lack of control. His lengths fluctuated, his execution deserted him, and at this level such lapses are rarely forgiven. With several fast bowling options competing for limited slots, inconsistency has proved costly, not only ruling him out of the England series but also denting his chances of making it to the World Cup. Apart from these two changes, the rest of the squad that faced Pakistan has been retained for the England series, suggesting that the selectors are keen on continuity as they fine tune combinations. Stability, however, does not necessarily guarantee certainty. Leg spinner Dushan Hemantha remains in a precarious position despite his impressive performance against Zimbabwe in September 2025, when he returned figures of 3 for 38. While that spell showcased his potential, it may not be enough to secure a place in the final 15-man World Cup squad, which is expected to be announced on or before January 30. Traveen Mathew has retained his place in the squad despite failing to break into the playing XI against Pakistan. Sri Lanka will co-host the ICC T20 World Cup alongside India, a factor that should, in theory, work in their favour. Familiar conditions and home support often bring added confidence, but history urges caution. Inconsistency has plagued the national side for years, particularly in global tournaments where promising starts have too often faded into disappointment. Despite assurances from the captain that Sri Lanka will strive to reclaim the elusive T20 title that last came in 2014, optimism remains guarded. The England series, therefore, is more than just another bilateral assignment. It represents a final audition for several players and a crucial test of Sri Lanka’s readiness for the biggest stage. Selection calls such as those involving Kusal Janith Perera and Nuwan Thushara underline a clear message. Reputation alone will not suffice. Only those who deliver, and do so consistently, will earn the right to represent Sri Lanka when the World Cup spotlight finally turns on.

The England cricket team led by Harry Brook arrived in Sri Lanka for a white-ball tour yesterday . England is scheduled to take on Sri Lanka in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) during the tour. Meanwhile, to welcome the England cricket team, a special reception was organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). England cricket team is scheduled to take on Sri Lanka in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) during the tour which will commence on January 22(Thursday) with the 1st ODI of the 3 match series at R. Premadasa Stadium and this ODI series will also be the first such series on Lankan soil since the 2018–19 season, when England clinched a five-match series 3-1 with one match being rained off. After 3 ODIs int Colombo England team is scheduled to play three T-20s at Pallekele International cricket stadium. This is going to be a full T20I series consisting of three matches for the first time in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka have played five one-off T20Is against England in 2006, 2011, 2014, and 2016, losing the latter three games in England. The only fixture played here in the 2018–’19 season was also won by the tourists, then captained by Eoin Morgan. The three T-20’s between England – Sri Lanka are going to be vital for both teams before the T-20 World cup hosted by Sri Lanka and India which will commence on February 7 England team is scheduled to commence their training today . England squad for ODIs in Sri Lanka: Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood. England squad for T20s in Sri Lanka and World Cup: Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer (World Cup only), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.

Sri Lanka – England Series
January 22: 1st ODI, Colombo (RPS)
January 24: 2nd ODI, Colombo (RPS)
January 27: 3rd ODI, Colombo (RPS)

January 30: 1st Twenty20 international, Pallekele
February 1: 2nd Twenty20 international, Pallekele
February 3: 3rd Twenty20 international, Pallekele

 (Daily News, 20.1.2026)

Sri Lanka have announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming tour of England, with Charith Asalanka appointed as captain. Team: Charith Asalanka , Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya De Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga. (Ceylon Today, 22.1.2026)

Sri Lanka beat the touring English by 19 runs in the first ODI, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Scores:

Sri Lanka – 271/6 in 50 Overs (Kusal Mendis 83no, Liyanage 46, Mishan 27, Wellalage 27no, Rashid 3/44, Dawson 1/3)

England – 252 in 49.2 Overs (Duckett 62, Root 61, Overton 34, Ahmed 27, Madushan 3/39, Vandersay 2/39, Wellalage 2/41)

Player of the Match: Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanak).

The touring English beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the second ODI played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Scores:

Sri Lanka – 219 in 49.3 Overs (Asalanka 45, de Silva 40, Rathnayake 29, Nissanka 26, Kusal Mendis 26, Root 2/13, Overton 2/21, Rashid 2/34)

England – 223/5 in 46.2 Overs (Root 75, Brook 42, Duckett 39, de Silva 2/37, Vandersay 2/45)

Plyer of the match: Joe Root (England)

England captain Harry Brook criticised the pitch used for the second one-day international against Sri Lanka in Colombo, calling it “probably the worst” he had ever played on. Brook’s side wrapped up a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka thanks to Joe Root’s 75 as England successfully chased down 220 at the R Premadasa Stadium. England bowled 40.3 overs of spin in the match – the most they have sent down in an ODI, eclipsing the 36 overs they bowled in a 50-over match against Pakistan in Sharjah in 1985. England managed 3.15 degrees of spin in the first ODI but it was 3.62 in this contest – a 15% increase – as the tourists used six spinners for the first time in the format. Root said it was a “very difficult surface” and it was “not a good wicket for ODI cricket if I’m being brutally honest”. But white-ball skipper Brook was even more scathing in his assessment at the post-match presentation. “The pitch is probably the worst pitch I’ve ever played on,” Brook, 26, said. “You had to go out there and adapt as quickly as possible and try to get off strike and get the other batter on strike. “It’s nice to get a win away from home on a tough surface – we are happy to get the victory.” Brook said his bowlers “did an amazing job” as they ended a run of 11 ODIs without a win. But he reserved the biggest praise for fellow Yorkshireman Root, who played a masterful innings given the conditions. Root’s application at the crease, lightness on his feet and ability to pick the Sri Lankan spinners made him the key man in England’s chase against the turning ball. “He [Root] is an awesome player and his ability to get off strike and put the bad ball away when they slightly miss is awesome,” Brook added. “Joe is a phenomenal player to have in our side.” –BBC (Sunday Times, 25.1.2026)

 The touring English beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third and final ODI played the R.Premadasa Stadiu, Colombo. Scores:

England – 357/3 in 50 Overs (Brook 136no, Root 111no, Bethel 65, de Silva 1/45)

Sri Lanka – 304 in 46.4 Overs ( Rathnayake 121, Nissanka 50, Curran 2/44, Jacks 2/43, Overton 2/48, Rashid 2/61)

England won the three-match series 2-1.

Player of the Match: Harry Brook (England)

Player of the Series; Joe Root (England)

The newly installed floodlighting system at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Grounds, Maitland Place—one of the venues preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026—was officially inaugurated on Wednesday evening. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva, and SSC President Ranjith Pandithage. The floodlights were formally switched on by the Sports Minister ahead of a friendly match between SSC and the Sri Lanka Cricket Development Team. The installation forms part of a major upgrade programme at the SSC in preparation for the global event, with Sri Lanka Cricket investing approximately Rs. 1.7 billion in infrastructure development at the historic Colombo venue. SSC is scheduled to host five matches during the tournament, with the opening fixture at the ground set for February 7, 2026, between Pakistan and the Netherlands. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature matches across three Sri Lankan venues—SSC, R. Premadasa Stadium, and the Pallekele  International Cricket Stadium .In a symbolic moment, Sri Lanka’s legendary former captain and current head coach Sanath Jayasuriya faced the first delivery under the newly installed floodlights, marking a historic milestone for the iconic ground and its transition into a day-night venue. SSC Cricket Development Secretary Samantha Dodanwala said the floodlights would significantly enhance the ground’s capabilities. “This facility gives SSC a much-needed upgrade. It opens up opportunities to host inter-school one-day matches and also provides the option of staging day-night Test matches in the future,” Dodanwala said. He added that the new lighting system would expand SSC’s capacity to host international and domestic fixtures, training sessions, and major cricketing events, while further modernisation plans are also in place. (Daily News, 30.1.2026)

The touring English beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs (D/L Method) in the first T20 played at Pallekelle International Stadium, Kandy. Scores:

Sri Lanka – 133 in 6.2 Overs (Kusal Mendis 37, Nissanka 23, Curran 3/38-  includes hat trick, Rashed 3/19, Overton 2/17,   Denison 2/31)

England – 125/4 in 15Overs (Scott 46, Banton 29, Malinga 2/24, Shanaka 1/120

Player of the Mach: Adil Rashid (England)