COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, October 15, 2026: Sri Lanka’s plans for the Pakistan-England ODI tri-series have suffered a significant setback just three days before their opening match, with Pathum Nissanka ruled out after failing to receive medical clearance for a left hamstring injury. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Thursday that Lahiru Udara will replace the established opening batter in the 16-member squad for the tournament, which begins against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 18.
The decision creates an immediate selection opportunity for Udara, who struck 91 from 55 balls against Pakistan only six days earlier but has never played an ODI. It also leaves a longer-term question unresolved: Nissanka remains in Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the two-match series beginning November 9, with his participation again dependent on medical clearance. Captain Kusal Mendis must now reorganize his ODI top order while preparing to face Pakistan and England twice each in a tournament that forms part of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
Why Has Pathum Nissanka Been Ruled Out of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series?
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on October 15 that Nissanka had not received medical clearance to resume competitive cricket following a left hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England.
The decision ends the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the tri-series.
Story at a glance
Why Has Pathum Nissanka Been Ruled Out of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series?
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on October 15 that Nissanka had not received medical clearance to resume competitive cricket following a left hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England.
What Does Sri Lanka Lose Without Nissanka at the Top?
Nissanka has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s most established opening batters across international formats, combining the patience to construct substantial innings with the ability to accelerate after settling.
Who Is Lahiru Udara, and Why Has Sri Lanka Chosen Him?
Lahiru Udara is a 32-year-old Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter who has international experience in Tests and T20Is but has yet to make his ODI debut.
How Could Sri Lanka Reshape Their ODI Batting Order?
Nissanka’s withdrawal leaves several possible combinations rather than one automatic solution.
Sri Lanka’s Updated 16-Member ODI Squad
Udara replaces Nissanka in the squad originally announced by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Nissanka was initially included in the 16-member squad announced on October 4, but the selectors attached an explicit condition to his selection: he would travel only if declared medically fit.
That condition has not been met.
The available official statements identify the affected hamstring and his current lack of clearance. They do not establish a definitive recovery date, the precise severity of the injury or the particular delivery or movement that caused it.
Those details should not be inferred from his appearances during the England tour.
How the Injury Situation Developed
| Date | Development | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| September 27 | Nissanka played in Sri Lanka’s third ODI against England at The Oval. | His most recent ODI appearance before the Pakistan assignment. |
| October 4 | Sri Lanka selected him for the tri-series, conditional on fitness. | His availability was already uncertain. |
| October 13 | Nissanka was included in the Test squad, again subject to medical clearance. | The November series remained a possible return. |
| October 15 | Sri Lanka confirmed his ODI withdrawal and named Lahiru Udara as replacement. | He will miss the entire tri-series. |
The original fitness condition appears in Sri Lanka Cricket’s October ODI squad announcement.
The chronology is important because the latest development confirms a previously identified availability concern rather than introducing an entirely unexpected injury.
What Does Sri Lanka Lose Without Nissanka at the Top?
Nissanka has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s most established opening batters across international formats, combining the patience to construct substantial innings with the ability to accelerate after settling.
His most significant ODI achievement came against Afghanistan in February 2024, when he scored an unbeaten 210, becoming the first Sri Lankan batter to register a men’s ODI double-century.
He followed that landmark season with a place in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024, having scored 694 runs from 12 matches at an average of 63.1 and a strike rate of 106.4.
Those numbers help explain why his absence affects Sri Lanka’s batting plans. They also provide important historical context without suggesting that his current form has been equally strong.
Nissanka’s Recent ODI Numbers Tell a More Complicated Story
Sri Lanka’s September ODI series against England was considerably less productive for the opener.
| Match Against England | Nissanka’s Runs | Sri Lanka Result |
|---|---|---|
| First ODI, September 22 | 27 | Lost by 89 runs |
| Second ODI, September 24 | 25 | Won by 16 runs |
| Third ODI, September 27 | 1 | Lost by 223 runs |
| Series Total | 53 | England won 2-1 |
Nissanka managed 53 runs across three completed innings, an average of approximately 17.67.
That calculation comes from his recorded scores of 27, 25 and 1, rather than from a projection of his wider career performance.
In the opening ODI at Chester-le-Street, his dismissal for 27 contributed to Sri Lanka losing early wickets during an unsuccessful chase of 266.
At Headingley, Nissanka scored 25 before Kusal Mendis took charge with a century. TSE’s analysis of Sri Lanka’s 16-run victory explained how Kusal, Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage transformed the contest.
In the series decider, Sonny Baker removed Nissanka for one in the second over. England eventually won by 223 runs, a collapse reconstructed in TSE’s report on Tom Banton’s match-winning century.
Three innings are too small a sample to overturn Nissanka’s established ODI record.
They do, however, show that Sri Lanka were already seeking a more consistent opening platform before his fitness ruled him out.
The injury creates a selection problem while also providing the opportunity to examine another batter in the role.
Who Is Lahiru Udara, and Why Has Sri Lanka Chosen Him?
Lahiru Udara is a 32-year-old Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter who has international experience in Tests and T20Is but has yet to make his ODI debut.
He has represented Sri Lanka in five Tests and seven T20 internationals.
His recent performances explain why the selectors have turned to him.
On October 9, Udara scored 91 from 55 balls against Pakistan in the first T20I at Rawalpindi.
It was his maiden T20I half-century and came against the same national side Sri Lanka will face in their opening tri-series fixture.
Although Pakistan eventually won the match by four wickets, Udara demonstrated that he could score fluently against international bowling in unfamiliar conditions.
TSE’s account of the completed Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I series documents his 91 and the subsequent three-match series, which Pakistan won 2-1.
Udara’s Test Century Adds Evidence of Longer-Format Ability
Udara’s credentials extend beyond the shorter format.
In July 2026, he scored 188 against the West Indies in Test cricket, demonstrating the ability to construct a substantial innings rather than rely exclusively on boundary hitting.
That innings, combined with his recent T20I success, provides a reasonable basis for considering him as an ODI option.
Nevertheless, Test cricket, T20 internationals and ODIs demand different combinations of scoring tempo, strike rotation and risk management.
His 91 from 55 balls does not establish how he will perform across 50 overs, particularly when early wickets require restraint or a long partnership.
The upcoming tri-series offers him an opportunity to demonstrate that adaptability.
Udara and Nissanka Have Already Opened Together
There is also a useful connection between their recent international performances.
In the second T20I against England at Cardiff on September 17, Nissanka and Udara opened the innings together and helped Sri Lanka reach 55 without loss.
Nissanka made 37 from 21 deliveries, while Udara contributed 21 from 20.
Liam Dawson then dismissed Udara and Kamil Mishara with consecutive deliveries, triggering a collapse that allowed England to take control.
The sequence was examined in TSE’s analysis of Dawson’s decisive spell in Cardiff.
That recent experience is useful because Udara has already operated alongside Sri Lanka’s established opener against international opposition.
Whether he is selected as a direct opening replacement or used elsewhere in the ODI batting order remains a decision for the team management.
How Could Sri Lanka Reshape Their ODI Batting Order?
Nissanka’s withdrawal leaves several possible combinations rather than one automatic solution.
Captain Kusal Mendis remains central to the batting order, while Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake and Udara provide different top-order possibilities.
| Player | Possible Batting Function | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Avishka Fernando | Specialist top-order batter | Experience as an ODI opener |
| Lahiru Udara | Opening or top-order option | Recent 91 against Pakistan; ODI debut possible |
| Kamil Mishara | Top-order and wicketkeeping option | Ability to provide a different opening combination |
| Kusal Mendis | Captain, wicketkeeper and established top-order batter | Balancing batting responsibility with leadership |
| Pavan Rathnayake | Flexible top- or middle-order option | Potential role depending on overall batting balance |
These are potential roles based on the players’ established skills and recent selections. Sri Lanka have not confirmed their opening partnership for October 18.
Why Kusal Mendis Should Remain Central to the Discussion
Kusal’s recent performances have demonstrated the value of an experienced batter controlling the innings when wickets fall.
His 121 from 100 balls against England at Headingley was the foundation of Sri Lanka’s 321 for six, a total they successfully defended by 16 runs.
He also produced an unbeaten 87 from 48 deliveries against Pakistan on October 13, guiding Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory in the final T20I at Rawalpindi.
That performance came after Pakistan had already secured the series through victories in the first two matches.
The question for the ODI tri-series is how much responsibility Kusal should absorb if the opening partnership remains unsettled.
As captain and wicketkeeper, he already carries considerable responsibility. The batting order must allow other players to contribute rather than rely on him to repair every early collapse.
Sri Lanka’s Updated 16-Member ODI Squad
Udara replaces Nissanka in the squad originally announced by Sri Lanka Cricket.
| Players | Primary Role or Status |
|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | Captain, wicketkeeper-batter |
| Avishka Fernando | Top-order batter |
| Lahiru Udara | Wicketkeeper-batter, replacement |
| Kamil Mishara | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Pavan Rathnayake | Batter |
| Sahan Arachchige | Batting all-rounder |
| Kamindu Mendis | Batting all-rounder |
| Janith Liyanage | Batting all-rounder |
| Dasun Shanaka | All-rounder |
| Dunith Wellalage | Spin-bowling all-rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner |
| Sachindu Colombage | Spinner |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Fast bowler |
| Asitha Fernando | Fast bowler |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Left-arm fast bowler |
| Eshan Malinga | Fast bowler |
The squad retains several bowlers who contributed during the England ODI series, including Wellalage, Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Colombage.
The bowling resources provide a degree of continuity despite the top-order change.
Colombage’s ODI debut was one of the notable developments in the first England match, when he took three wickets before England recovered.
Sri Lanka also demonstrated their ability to defend a substantial total during the second ODI, with Wellalage and the seamers combining effectively after England had reached 143 without loss.
Those recent matches offer evidence of bowling options that could remain important if Sri Lanka’s batting requires time to settle.
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026: Schedule and Venues
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England will contest six round-robin ODIs before the two leading sides meet in the final.
The tournament begins in Rawalpindi on October 18 and concludes at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| October 20 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| October 22 | Sri Lanka vs England | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| October 25 | Pakistan vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| October 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| October 29 | Sri Lanka vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| October 31 | Final: Top two teams | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
The fixtures are listed in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official tri-series schedule.
Why Sri Lanka’s Opening Match Against Pakistan Matters
The October 18 opener will provide the first evidence of how Sri Lanka intend to compensate for Nissanka’s absence.
The hosts will be captained by Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose left-arm pace makes the opening overs a demanding phase for any new partnership.
Pakistan have also made substantial changes across formats, with Sahibzada Farhan captaining the preceding T20I series while Shaheen remains in charge of the ODI side.
That distinction was detailed in TSE’s analysis of Pakistan’s October squad and captaincy changes.
For Sri Lanka, the first ODI will test whether the replacement opening combination can provide stability without asking the middle order to repair an early collapse.
The matches against England will provide another opportunity to compare the revised batting lineup against an attack that troubled Sri Lanka during September.
Will Nissanka Be Fit for Sri Lanka’s Test Series Against Pakistan?
That remains unresolved.
Sri Lanka Cricket included Nissanka in the 15-member squad announced on October 13 for the two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan.
However, the announcement again specified that he would travel only if medically fit.
The first Test is scheduled for November 9-13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17-21.
The selection and fitness condition are documented in Sri Lanka Cricket’s official October 13 Test squad announcement.
It would be inaccurate to treat Nissanka’s ODI withdrawal as confirmation that he will also miss the Tests.
The relevant distinction is between two separate selection decisions.
Confirmed: Nissanka has not been cleared for the October 18-31 ODI tri-series.
Unresolved: Whether he will recover sufficiently to receive clearance before the November Test assignment.
No confirmed return date or medical prognosis has been provided in the official squad information reviewed for this report.
Continue the Cricket Story
Why the Test Question Matters Beyond the Tri-Series
The November matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Sri Lanka therefore have reasons to assess Nissanka’s readiness carefully, given his established role in the batting lineup and the different physical demands of Test cricket.
His availability may influence the final selection of the opening partnership, but no replacement or revised Test squad has been announced for him as of October 15.
The next meaningful development will be an official medical or squad update rather than speculation about how many days a hamstring injury should require.
What Does the Injury Mean for Sri Lanka’s 2027 ODI World Cup Preparations?
The tri-series is an important opportunity to examine Sri Lanka’s batting combinations before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Nissanka has enough international experience to remain an established option when fit, but the side also needs alternatives capable of handling high-quality fast bowling and extended 50-over innings.
Udara’s inclusion gives the selectors a chance to examine an experienced international batter who has not yet been tested in ODIs.
The tournament could answer several practical questions:
- Can Udara translate his T20I and Test performances into the 50-over format?
- Which opening partnership offers the best balance between scoring tempo and wicket preservation?
- Can Sri Lanka establish a stable top order without repeatedly depending on Kusal Mendis to rebuild the innings?
- Which combinations deserve further opportunities before the World Cup?
These questions do not require Nissanka to lose his established place when fit.
They reflect the value of developing alternatives in a squad that must compete across multiple international formats.
Recent difficulties underline the challenge. Sri Lanka were overwhelmed by England’s batting and bowling in the opening T20I in Southampton, a match examined in TSE’s analysis of Harry Brook and Sonny Baker’s performances.
Before that series, TSE’s England-Sri Lanka preview had identified top-order consistency and player availability as important concerns.
The Pakistan tri-series now provides another competitive examination, this time across 50 overs and without Sri Lanka’s established opener.
Pathum Nissanka Injury: Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Pathum Nissanka Not Playing in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series?
Nissanka has been ruled out because he has not received medical clearance following a left hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England.
Who Has Replaced Pathum Nissanka in Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad?
Sri Lanka Cricket has named Lahiru Udara as Nissanka’s replacement in the 16-member squad.
Has Lahiru Udara Played ODI Cricket for Sri Lanka?
No. Udara has represented Sri Lanka in Tests and T20 internationals but has yet to make his ODI debut.
How Did Lahiru Udara Perform Against Pakistan Recently?
Udara scored 91 from 55 balls in the first T20I against Pakistan at Rawalpindi on October 9, 2026.
When Does the Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series Begin?
The tournament begins on October 18, 2026, with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Will Nissanka Play the November Tests Against Pakistan?
His availability is not yet confirmed. He remains in the Test squad, but Sri Lanka Cricket has made his participation conditional on medical clearance.
When Does Sri Lanka’s Test Series Against Pakistan Begin?
The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 9, 2026, in Rawalpindi. The second Test begins on November 17 in Lahore.
Who Will Open the Batting for Sri Lanka Against Pakistan?
Sri Lanka have not confirmed the opening partnership. Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara are among the available options, while captain Kusal Mendis and the team management must determine the final batting order.
Udara Gets His Opportunity, but Nissanka’s Recovery Remains the Larger Question
Sri Lanka’s ODI plans have changed three days before their opening match.
Nissanka’s withdrawal removes a proven opener and places renewed attention on the team’s ability to construct reliable starts against Pakistan and England.
Udara arrives with recent international runs, experience in Pakistani conditions and a possible opportunity to make his ODI debut.
The selectors can use the competition to assess a new combination without immediately drawing conclusions about Nissanka’s longer-term role.
The unanswered question extends into November.
Sri Lanka have already signaled that Nissanka’s Test participation depends on medical fitness. For now, the ODI tournament must proceed without him, while the World Test Championship assignment remains subject to a separate clearance decision.
Udara has been given an opportunity to establish himself in another format. Nissanka’s next important milestone will be medical clearance, not a predicted date of return.
