Avishka Fernando is set to make a return to Sri Lanka’s One Day International (ODI) team for the upcoming tri-series involving Pakistan and England. Fernando’s last appearance in an ODI was in February 2025, and his recall comes after a strong domestic performance where he scored two centuries in his last three List A matches. Averaging 63.85, he currently leads the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament with 447 runs.
Sahan Arachchige has also been included in the 16-member squad, taking the place of the injured Wanindu Hasaranga. Arachchige recently captained the Sri Lankan side to a bronze medal finish in the Asian Games, contributing a composed 33 off 37 balls during the play-off against Bangladesh. His performances in domestic leagues, notably scoring 240 runs at a strike rate of 147.23 in the LPL 2026, likely influenced his selection.
Charith Asalanka, meanwhile, has been omitted from the squad, marking another brief stint in the national team setup. The selection of Arachchige over Asalanka, who has been a consistent figure in ODIs since 2021 with an average of 40.55, has sparked much debate. Remarkably, no vice-captain has been announced following Asalanka’s exclusion.
The rest of the squad remains unchanged from the team that faced a 3-0 series loss in England. Batsmen such as Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Dasun Shanaka maintain their spots. The squad includes four main fast bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dilshan Madushanka. Sri Lanka’s spin attack will feature Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, and Dunith Wellalage.
The tri-series kicks off on 18 October, with Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan in the opening match in Rawalpindi. Fans will be keenly watching to see how Fernando fits into the line-up alongside other top-order batsmen like Pathum Nissanka and captain Kusal Mendis.
Squad for the Tri-Series against Pakistan and England:
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (captain, wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga.
