Pathum Nissanka ruled out of Pakistan ODI tri-series

Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan after failing to fully recover from the left hamstring injury he sustained during Sri Lanka's white-ball tour of England. The opener was initially named in the 16-member squad for the tournament, subject to fitness clearance.

Nissanka has not played competitive cricket since the injury. Earlier, he also missed the Lanka Premier League and Sri Lanka's two-match home Test series against India while continuing his rehabilitation following wrist surgery.

Sri Lanka have named Lahiru Udara as Nissanka's replacement in the squad. Udara, who has played five Tests and seven T20Is, is still awaiting his ODI debut. He played an impressive knock of 91 off just 55 balls in the first of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 9, albeit in a losing cause. Udara, 32, has aggregated 3017 runs in 102 List A games at an average of 32.09 at a strike rate of 85.97, including three centuries and 21 fifties. 

Sri Lanka are the lowest ranked of the three sides in the tri-series. They are seventh in the latest ICC men's ODI team rankings. England and Pakistan are placed sixth and fifth, respectively. They were recently beaten by the Harry Brook-led side 2-1 in a three-match ODI series in England.

The tri-series gets underway with a fixture between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on October 18 in Rawalpindi. Every team will play one another twice, and the top two teams on the points table will qualify for the final showdown. Rawalpindi and Lahore will host the triangular event.

Sri Lanka's updated squad for Pakistan ODI tri-series 2026:

Kusal Mendis (captain & wicketkeeper), Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.