![Sri Lanka probable XI Vs PAK [Source: AFP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767864918668_SriLankaprobableXIVsPAK.jpg?type=hq)
Sri Lanka probable XI Vs PAK [Source: AFP Photo]
Sri Lanka at home is generally a strong team; however, against Pakistan in the first T20I, the Lankan Lions failed to deliver the goods as they surrendered while batting and lacked the cutting-edge with the ball in hand. On a pitch that favoured the spinners, Pakistan ran riot as the hosts had no answer to it.
The second T20I provides a chance for the Sri Lankan side to make some changes and tweak their lineup, and ahead of the all-important clash, here are the probable changes Sri Lanka could make for the next T20I.
Sri Lanka playing XI Vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I
Openers and top order - Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis
- Despite the top three failing in the first T20I against Pakistan, their position should remain intact, especially with the team needing some consistency at the top. In Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, Sri Lanka has a dynamic opening pair that can take down any attack in the world with ease.
- While Mishara is a promising youngster, Nissanka has slowly carved his name as one of the most potent openers in the format.
- At number 3 will be Kusal Mendis, who strikes at 130 in the T20Is and can be used as an innings builder or an aggressor, depending upon the situation.
Middle order and all-rounders: Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga
Why Mendis over Dhananjaya de Silva - explained
In the first T20I, Dhananjaya de Silva played at number 4, and he couldn’t do much against the Pakistan attack. In fact, in 2025, the batter had a dismal year, and is already low of confidence heading into the next game.
| Criterion | Dhananjaya de Silva | Kamindu Mendis |
| Matches | 6 | 12 |
| Runs | 116 | 159 |
| Strike rate | 105 | 130.33 |
(Mendis and DDS in T20Is in 2025)
- As the stats reveal, De Silva had a horrendous 2025 and he only scored 116 runs with a strike rate of 105. Kamindu Mendis, on the other hand, had a decent year too, but he had a way better strike rate (130), and he should be brought into the playing XI.
- Charith Asalanka will continue to bat at number 5 and will provide the left-handed option, which the team has been missing. After him, there would be three all-rounder who will occupy the number 6, 7, and 8 positions in the batting order.
- Captain Dasun Shanaka will bat at 6, but his T20I numbers are far from impressive, and he is one of the weak links in the team. At 7, the team will persist with Liyanage, who scored a valuable 40 in the first T20I and helped Sri Lanka cross the 100-run mark. Wanindu Hasaranga will be the third all-rounder in the team.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana
Pathirana to replace struggling Thushara
The second change that Sri Lanka should make in their playing XI is to include Matheesha Pathirana in the team and take the struggling Nuwan Thushara out. Thushara was taken to the cleaners by Sahibzada Farhan in the first game, as he conceded 31 runs in two overs, and the match got over in that phase.
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 12 |
| Dismissals | 11 |
| Economy | 8.49 |
| Average | 34.73 |
(Thushara in T20Is last year)
- The Sri Lankan and RCB pacer struggled for wickets last year, and the trend continued against Pakistan in the first T20I, and hence, Pathirana should come in as a death overs specialist.
- Dushmantha Chameera will be the second lead pacer, and Maheesh Theekshana will be the main-spinner alongside Hasaranga as Sri Lanka aim for a comeback.
Sri Lanka playing XI Vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I- 2026
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
