Eshan Malinga Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as Sri Lanka Drop Niroshan Dickwella for Pakistan Series
Sri Lanka have named fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara in their squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan in November 2026. The selection brings Malinga his maiden Test call-up, while Bandara has earned an opportunity following an impressive first-class record.
The squad also features the return of left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka and the appointment of Kusal Mendis as Test captain. Meanwhile, experienced wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella has been left out after returning to the squad for Sri Lanka’s recent home Test series against India.
Eshan Malinga Receives First Test Call-Up
Eshan Malinga has earned his first opportunity in Sri Lanka’s Test setup after establishing himself in the country’s shorter-format teams.
The 25-year-old fast bowler has played 19 first-class matches, taking 44 wickets at an average of 31.15. His performances have earned him a place in the squad for the challenging away series against Pakistan.
Malinga’s selection gives Sri Lanka another pace option as they prepare for two Tests on Pakistani soil. His ability to build on his domestic experience will be important if he makes his Test debut during the tour.
He has also been included in Sri Lanka’s white-ball squads in recent months, reflecting the selectors’ interest in his potential across formats.
Anjala Bandara Earns Selection After Strong First-Class Form
Wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara is another notable inclusion in the Sri Lankan squad.
The 22-year-old has produced impressive numbers in first-class cricket. Across 31 matches, he averages 65.85, with seven centuries and seven half-centuries. His highest score is an unbeaten 200.
Those performances have earned him an opportunity at the international level as Sri Lanka reassess their wicketkeeping options ahead of the Pakistan Tests.
Bandara replaces Dickwella in the squad, giving the selectors a chance to assess a younger player with a strong domestic batting record. If selected in the playing XI, his contributions with both the gloves and the bat could be important in a demanding Test series.
Niroshan Dickwella Left Out of the Squad
Niroshan Dickwella has been omitted from Sri Lanka’s squad for the Pakistan tour after being recalled for the home Tests against India in August.
His absence is one of the major selection talking points, particularly with Bandara receiving an opportunity. The decision signals a change in the wicketkeeping options for the upcoming series, although it does not by itself confirm a permanent change in Sri Lanka’s long-term plans.
The selectors have also left out openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, along with all-rounder Sahan Arachchige. Vishwa Fernando has been omitted from the pace options.
Kusal Mendis Takes Over as Sri Lanka Test Captain
Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in the Pakistan Tests after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down from the captaincy.
Mendis already captains Sri Lanka in ODI and T20I cricket, and the Test appointment expands his leadership responsibilities across all three international formats.
De Silva, who took over the Test captaincy in January 2024, will remain available for selection as a player. His decision came after a difficult period for Sri Lanka in Test cricket, including series defeats against the West Indies and India.
Mendis’s first assignment as Test captain will be a two-match series against Pakistan, offering him an immediate challenge away from home.
Dilshan Madushanka Returns to the Test Squad
Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has also been recalled for the Pakistan tour, adding another pace option to the squad.
Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling group includes Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando, alongside Madushanka and Malinga. The combination gives the team several options for different conditions and match situations.
In the spin department, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha are included, while all-rounder Sonal Dinusha offers another option. Dinusha’s recent performances against India have strengthened his position in the squad.
Sri Lanka Squad for Pakistan Test Series 2026
Sri Lanka’s announced squad is as follows:
- Captain: Kusal Mendis
- Batters and all-rounders: Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva
- Wicketkeeper: Anjala Bandara
- Fast bowlers: Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
- Spinners: Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha
Pathum Nissanka’s selection is subject to fitness clearance, and he will travel only if declared medically fit.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series: Dates and Venues
The two-match Test series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
| Match | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | Rawalpindi | November 9–13, 2026 |
| Second Test | Lahore | November 17–21, 2026 |
Sri Lanka will aim to improve their position in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan will look to take advantage of home conditions. The series also gives Mendis an opportunity to establish himself as Test captain and provides players such as Malinga and Bandara a chance to make their mark.
What to Expect From Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s squad combines experienced international players with emerging talent. Mendis and Chandimal provide leadership and batting experience, while Madushanka’s return and Malinga’s first Test call-up strengthen the pace-bowling options.
Bandara’s domestic batting record makes him one of the players to watch, especially following Dickwella’s omission. However, squad selection does not guarantee a place in the final playing XI, and the team combination will depend on conditions and fitness.
For Sri Lanka, the Pakistan tour is an opportunity to rebuild momentum in Test cricket. The selectors’ decisions will come under close scrutiny as the team begins a new phase under Mendis’s leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Eshan Malinga has earned his maiden Test call-up for Sri Lanka.
- Anjala Bandara has been selected after averaging 65.85 in first-class cricket.
- Niroshan Dickwella has been dropped from the squad.
- Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in Test cricket after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down.
- Dilshan Madushanka returns to the Test squad.
- The two Tests will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore in November 2026.
Sri Lanka’s selection combines fresh opportunities with experienced players as the team prepares for a demanding Test assignment in Pakistan.