Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara earn maiden Test call-ups as Kusal Mendis prepares to lead Sri Lanka against Pakistan in November.
Web Desk: Sri Lanka Cricket have named fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara in a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, handing both players their maiden Test call-ups.
The squad, announced on Tuesday, will be led by Kusal Mendis, who is set to captain Sri Lanka in his first Test series since taking over the role from Dhananjaya de Silva.
The series will begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed.
Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara Earn Test Call-Ups
Eshan Malinga has earned his first Test selection after establishing himself in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs setup. The fast bowler has taken 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15, according to Geo Super.
Wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara has also been rewarded for his performances in domestic cricket. The 22-year-old has recorded seven centuries and seven half-centuries in 31 first-class matches, with a reported batting average of 65.85.
Bandara’s inclusion comes at the expense of Niroshan Dickwella, who has been left out of the squad after being recalled for Sri Lanka’s home Test series against India in August.
Kusal Mendis to Lead Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis will take charge of the Test side following Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to step down as captain.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced Mendis’ appointment on October 8. De Silva remains available for selection despite relinquishing the leadership role.
The Pakistan series will provide Mendis with his first assignment as Test captain, with the team looking to build its position in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Pathum Nissanka Included Subject to Fitness
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has also been named in the squad, but his participation remains conditional on medical clearance.
His availability will be an important consideration for Sri Lanka as the team finalises its preparations for the tour. The selection committee has not made his participation unconditional.
The squad also includes experienced players Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka Squad for Pakistan Tests
The 15-member squad is as follows:
- Kusal Mendis (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness)
- 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
Pakistan Test Series Schedule
The two-Test series will open at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9. The second Test is scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21, according to published tour details.
The matches will give both teams an opportunity to collect valuable points in the World Test Championship 2025–27 standings.
Further updates on player fitness and final match preparations are expected closer to the start of the series.
