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Eshan Malinga Earns Maiden T20I Call-Up as Sri Lanka Name Squad for Bangladesh Series
Sri Lanka Announce 17-Member T20I Squad for Home Series Against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 17-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to run from July 10 to 16. The big headline is the inclusion of Eshan Malinga, who has earned his maiden T20I call-up after impressing in domestic and IPL circuits.
The squad sees the return of experienced campaigners Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Dunith Wellalage, all of whom were absent from Sri Lanka’s last T20I appearance against New Zealand more than six months ago.
Eshan Malinga’s Rise: A Star in the Making
From IPL Promise to National Recognition
Eshan Malinga, a fast-bowler with the ability to generate pace and movement, has steadily built a reputation in T20 leagues around the world. He played a total of 27 domestic T20 matches, collecting 40 wickets at an average of 18.22, underlining his potential as a match-winner.
His most notable stint came during IPL 2025, where he featured for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite a struggling season for the franchise, Malinga stood out by picking up 7 wickets in 13 games at an exceptional strike-rate of 12.31.
Malinga’s selection marks the beginning of what many believe could be a long and impactful international career.
Also Read: IPL 2025 – Full Season Stats for Eshan Malinga’s Debut Campaign
Key Inclusions and Omissions in the Squad
While Malinga’s selection is the headline, the squad also features the return of all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne, along with spin-bowling all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, indicating a strong focus on balance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Veterans Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asitha Fernando, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe have been left out, possibly due to form or fitness concerns. The decision reflects the selectors’ desire to build a squad with youth, form, and upcoming conditions in mind.
Charith Asalanka to Lead Sri Lanka in T20I Series
Strong Leadership with Balanced Squad Depth
Middle-order batter Charith Asalanka will continue as captain, backed by a well-rounded group including:
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Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka at the top
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Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, and Kamindu Mendis in the middle order
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A potent spin attack led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay
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A mix of pace options like Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando
The series is set to be held across three venues—Pallekele, Dambulla, and Colombo, offering varied conditions to test the squad’s depth.
A Crucial Series Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
With the T20 World Cup only months away, this bilateral series presents a vital opportunity for Sri Lanka to test combinations, develop bench strength, and finalize their core group. The matches will also help both teams acclimatize to the home conditions that will feature in the upcoming global tournament.
For full fixtures, match timings, and live updates, visit the official ICC website.
