Colombo, August 25: Sri Lanka has encountered a setback ahead of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026. All-rounder Devmi Vihanga has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained during a practice session.
According to Cricinfo, Vihanga did not travel with the team to the UAE due to her injury. In her place, left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage has been added to the 15-member squad. Vihanga was looking forward to making her debut with the senior team.
Chamari Athapaththu will lead the 15-member Sri Lanka team, with Harshitha Samareekrama appointed as vice-captain. The defending champions Sri Lanka are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, hosts UAE, and Indonesia, who are participating in the tournament for the first time.
Sri Lanka’s hopes have been boosted by the return of fast bowlers Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukti, who missed the recent T20 series against Pakistan in Hambantota. Sri Lanka won that series 2-1.
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 13 in the UAE, with all matches being held at the Dubai International Stadium. The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, and Thailand, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, hosts UAE, and Indonesia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on September 10 and 11, with the final scheduled for September 13. Sri Lanka will face UAE on August 29, Indonesia on September 2, and Bangladesh on September 6.
Sri Lanka clinched their first Asia Cup title in 2024 by defeating seven-time champions India in front of their home crowd in Dambulla. The upcoming tournament marks the 10th edition of the Women’s Asia Cup and is being held in the UAE for the first time.
Updated Sri Lanka Women’s Team for the Asia Cup: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishami Gunaratne, Harshitha Samareekrama (Vice-Captain), Kavisha Dilhari, Neelakshika Silva, Hasini Pereira, Kaushini Nuthyangna (Wicketkeeper), Nimasha Meepage, Sugandhika Dasanayaka, Chamudi Prabodha, Chethana Vimukti, Kavya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodhya.
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