Colombo, May 29: Sri Lanka has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chamari Athapaththu will lead the team. The squad includes players such as Vishmi Gunaratne, Shashini Gimhani, and Kavya Kavindi. Notably, experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera has been excluded from the team.
Inoka was part of the Sri Lankan squad during the recent T20 series against Bangladesh but did not get a chance to play. Despite her experience from 91 T20 matches, she has been dropped after the team secured a 3-0 victory in the series. Inoka had performed well in the series against the West Indies in March.
Rashmika Sewwandi and Devmi Vihanga have also been left out of the squad for the major tournament taking place in England from June 12 to July 5.
Vishmi has played 54 T20 matches but has struggled with her form since the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka will be looking to wrist spinner Shashini and fast bowler Kavya to deliver strong performances in the World Cup.
Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangna, Sugandika Dasanayake, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya are set to make their debuts in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka will kick off its campaign against the host nation and 2009 champions England at Edgbaston on June 12. Chamari has participated in all nine previous editions of this tournament. Following this match, the team will face Scotland at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 26, along with matches against New Zealand in Southampton and the West Indies and Ireland in Bristol. The team is scheduled to depart for England on June 3.
Sri Lanka Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Pereira, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samareekrama, Imesha Dulani, Neelakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangna, Sugandika Dasanayake, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kavya Kavindi, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya.
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