T20 WC: Sri Lanka Look To Turn Home Advantage Into Title Push Despite Mixed Form

Sri Lanka head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a blend of promise and concern, banking heavily on key performers such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, skipper Dasun Shanaka and the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana as they aim to overcome a poor home run and mount a serious title challenge. Playing the tournament at home gives the Islanders a significant edge and a genuine opportunity to win their first ICC title since lifting the T20 World Cup in 2014.

Despite the home advantage, Sri Lanka’s recent record paints a mixed picture. Since the last T20 World Cup, the team has played 33 matches, winning 13, losing 18, with two ending in ties. Across 10 bilateral series and multi-team tournaments in this period, Sri Lanka have managed to win only two, highlighting their inconsistency heading into the global event.

At home, Sri Lanka suffered a 0-2 series loss to India with one match tied in July 2024, followed by a narrow 2-1 series win over West Indies in October 2024. They drew 1-1 against New Zealand at home in November 2024 but lost 1-2 to the same opposition away in December. A disappointing 1-2 home loss to Bangladesh in July 2025 further dented confidence, although they bounced back with a 2-1 away series win over Zimbabwe in September 2025. Sri Lanka then exited in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup in the UAE, lost a tri-nation series in Pakistan featuring Zimbabwe, drew 1-1 against Pakistan at home in January 2026 and were comprehensively beaten 0-3 by England at home in January–February 2026.

Individually, several players have delivered strong performances since the T20 World Cup 2024. Pathum Nissanka has been the standout batter, scoring 1,156 runs in 33 matches at an average of 36.12 and a strike rate close to 141, including one century and eight half-centuries. Kusal Mendis has accumulated 796 runs in 33 matches at an average of 26.53, while Kusal Janith Perera has added 635 runs in 27 matches at an average of 26.45 with a strike rate nearing 140, including a century and three fifties.

In the bowling department, Wanindu Hasaranga has been Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon, claiming 41 wickets in 26 matches at an impressive average of 18.29, including two four-wicket hauls. Dushmantha Chameera has been equally effective when fit, picking up 28 wickets in just 16 matches at an average of 16.50, with both a four-for and a five-for to his name. Maheesh Theekshana has chipped in with 26 wickets in 27 matches, providing control in the middle overs.

One of the biggest positives for Sri Lanka has been Nissanka’s evolution as a T20I batter. Since the last World Cup, the 27-year-old has shown remarkable consistency and has also begun to make an impact in franchise cricket. His performances in the International League T20 for Gulf Giants, where he scored 243 runs in six innings at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate close to 187 with three fifties, underlined his growing confidence and range.

Another major strength lies in the spin pairing of Hasaranga and Theekshana. Both bowlers have extensive experience of playing in Sri Lankan and Indian conditions, and on their day, the duo can dominate any batting lineup. Coupled with familiar pitches and conditions, Sri Lanka’s home advantage could play a decisive role if they peak at the right time.

However, concerns remain. Sri Lanka’s home form since the T20 World Cup 2024 has been underwhelming, with just one series win out of five. They have managed only five wins from 16 home T20Is, losing 10, with one tie. The middle order has also struggled for consistency, with Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka all averaging below 19 in this period. Much will depend on Nissanka, Perera and the emergence of Kamil Mishara, who appears to be a promising number three option.

Another area Sri Lanka need to address is their conservative batting approach. With an overall team strike rate of 124.83 and the top seven batters striking at 129.67, they lag behind more aggressive sides such as India, South Africa and England, and will need to up the tempo to compete with the tournament’s strongest teams.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. They will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 8, hoping that home conditions and their key performers can help them rediscover the spark that once made them one of the most feared teams in world cricket.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026 includes Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga.