Sri Lanka Name Squad To Defend Asia Cup

Sri Lanka reveal their 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup title defense.

Sri Lanka Cricket has finally put an end to the suspense. The governing body released the list of 15 women’s cricket players short-listed to represent Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.

The defending champions have arrived in Dubai with a mix of experienced and young players in a bid to defend the title they won successfully in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at the squad and what the defending champions have in store for the upcoming regional tournament.

Who’s In And Who’s Out?

Chamari Athapaththu is set to lead the team while Harshitha Samarawickrama will be her deputy.

The other players in the squad are Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunarathne, Imesha Dulani, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodhya, completing the list of 15 players.

Two notable names that have made it to the final cut include Mithali Ayodhya and Dewmi Vihanga. Both players missed out on the recent T20I series against Pakistan, and it will be intriguing to see them in action in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Know About This Squad

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from this Sri Lankan squad:

• Sri Lanka is the defending champion after beating India in the final to clinch their maiden Asia Cup title in 2024.
• Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from August 28 to September 13.
• The defending champions will be a part of Group B, which will also have Bangladesh, the host nation UAE, and the debutant Indonesia.
• Sri Lanka’s campaign will begin on August 29 when they face the UAE in their opening match.
• They will face Indonesia in their second group-stage fixture and conclude their pool matches on September 6 against Bangladesh.
• Sanjana Kavindi has retained her spot in the team after hitting a brilliant fifty against Pakistan. The 20-year-old batter looks to continue her great form in the Asia Cup.
• The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled for September 10 and 11. The final will be played on September 13.

Our Verdict On This Sri Lanka Squad

Defending champions always find it difficult to repeat their success, and Sri Lanka will be eager to prove that their 2024 win was no fluke. The recall of Mithali Ayodhya and Dewmi Vihanga will add quality and fire to the squad, and they can cause an upset with their attacking approach with both bat and ball.

However, Group B will not be a cakewalk, given that Bangladesh is a former champion and will play its matches in the UAE.

Athapaththu’s vast experience will be handy given the high stakes at the regional tournament, and her leadership will help Sri Lanka overcome the pressure of being a defending champion. The young players in the squad will also be eager to show their mettle on the big stage.

What To Expect From The Matches?

The wait for the regional tournament to begin will be over in a matter of days. Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup 2026 campaign on August 29 when they face UAE. If they progress past the group stage, they will face qualifiers from the other three teams in the semi-finals.

India, in particular, will be eager to avenge their loss in the final and will be looking to win back the trophy they lost in 2024.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh could also be a threat to Sri Lanka’s chances, given their status as former champions.

Thus, the defending champions have one game to assess their chances before facing a crucial encounter against Pakistan in week two. But one thing is for sure: this squad has all the firepower and steel to make a mark in the UAE.