T20 World Cup 2026: SWOT analysis of Sri Lanka - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on February 7, with Sri Lanka sharing hosting duties alongside India. With several matches scheduled to be played in spin-friendly home conditions, the tournament presents a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to maximise familiar surfaces and tactical strength

With the squad announcement reflecting a clear emphasis on spin depth and familiarity with home conditions, Sri Lanka appear to be shaping a side built for control and adaptability. As they prepare to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, here is a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of the team.

Strengths

Sri Lanka’s primary strength is its depth and variety in spin bowling. With Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, the squad offers multiple spin options with a lot of variety, whether leg spin, off spin, or left-arm spin  capable of operating across phases.

Hasaranga remains the standout. In home conditions, he has taken 51 wickets in 30 T20I innings at an average of 14.09. He is supported by Theekshana’s control and the left-arm options available, Sri Lanka possesses the tools to restrict scoring on slower pitches and force opposition errors.

The middle order provides flexibility through players such as Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva, and the captain himself, Dasun Shanaka, all of whom can adjust roles depending on match situations. In addition, Sri Lanka’s pace resources at the death led by Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, with support from Dushmantha Chameera, offer variation and unpredictability.

Home conditions further amplify Sri Lanka's advantage, as their batting line-up is built more around stability than explosiveness and the conditions in Sri lanka would be suiting their style of play.