On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Sri Lanka announced a 15-player Test team for their November two-match series against Pakistan. The team will travel to Pakistan for Test matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore under the captaincy of Kusal Mendis.
Although opener Pathum Nissanka has been added to the team, his availability for the first Test is still contingent upon his full recovery prior to the start of the game. Anjala Bandara, a wicketkeeper, is one of the prominent newcomers to the touring team after receiving his first Test call-up.
The first Test will take place in Rawalpindi on November 9 and the second will take place in Lahore on November 17. Since both games are a part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle for 2025–2027, the outcomes will affect both teams’ points.
Although Nissanka has been included in the squad, his ability to play in the Rawalpindi Test on November 9 will depend on how quickly he returns to full fitness. The fact that Sri Lanka’s selectors have not yet included a reserve opener in the squad indicates that they anticipate his availability prior to the start of the series.
In the longest format, Nissanka is an important top-order hitter for Sri Lanka. The batting line-up for both Tests will be directly impacted by his presence or absence. It is anticipated that closer to the first game, the team management will give a more detailed update on his condition.
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Since this is Anjala Bandara’s first call-up to the Sri Lanka Test squad, his inclusion represents a major turning point in his career. The national selectors’ faith in his ability to contribute at the top level of the game is reflected in his selection.
Bandara has a significant platform for a possible debut in the two-Test series in Pakistan. Any contribution he makes will be valued beyond personal achievements because the series counts toward the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship standings. The team’s overall combination of seasoned players and recent arrivals suggests that the selectors made a conscious effort to add depth to the Test lineup.
Sri Lanka full squad for two-Test series against Pakistan
Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya De Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
