![Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera injured [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767762003109_Kusal Perara.jpg)
Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera injured [Source: AFP]
Sri Lanka have received an unexpected setback ahead of their home T20I series against Pakistan, as senior batter Kusal Perera has picked up an injury during training.
The three-match series begins on January 7 at the Dambulla International Cricket Academy, and this development has changed Sri Lanka’s plans just before the opening game.
Sri Lanka forced to reshuffle batting order
According to reports from local Sri Lankan media, Kusal Perera suffered the injury while preparing for the first match of the series. As a result, he is likely to sit out the opening T20I. In his absence, Dhananjaya de Silva is expected to take up the responsibility of batting at number four for Sri Lanka in the first match.
This injury comes at an important time for Sri Lanka, with the T20 World Cup approaching fast. Any fitness concern at this stage adds pressure on team management and players alike.
Looking at Kusal Perera’s recent form, his performances in the last T20I series were not very impressive. During the Pakistan tri-series, he managed to score only 36 runs across four innings.
Even so, his experience and aggressive style remain valuable, especially in home conditions. Therefore, the team will hope for a quick recovery ahead of the remaining matches.
Sri Lanka announce T20I Squad for Pakistan series
Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva stepping into the number four position offers Sri Lanka a chance to test a different approach.
Earlier on January 6, Sri Lanka announced their 15-member squad for the T20I series against Pakistan. This series is seen as a key part of their final preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.
Led by Dasun Shanaka, the squad includes a good mix of experienced players and fresh faces, including some names who were not part of the earlier preliminary World Cup squad.
Sri Lanka look to fine-tune lineup
With the World Cup drawing closer, this series gives Sri Lanka an ideal opportunity to fine-tune team combinations and build confidence. Pakistan present a tough challenge, having defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the T20I tri-series held in Rawalpindi last year. Although Pakistan are yet to announce their World Cup squad, they remain a strong and well-balanced side.
The series schedule includes all three matches at Dambulla, with the first T20I on January 7, the second on January 9, and the final on January 11. In their last meeting during the tri-series involving Zimbabwe, both teams won one league match each, while Pakistan emerged winners in the final. Sri Lanka also suffered a loss to Zimbabwe during that tour.
Pakistan enter series with confidence
Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan enter this series with confidence after winning the 2025 T20I Tri-Nation Series. Their bowling unit performed well under pressure, and their batting showed composure in tight situations. However, Sri Lanka displayed moments of quality during the same series, although consistency remained a concern.
Notably, Pakistan will be without key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan in this T20I series.
