Sri Lanka name 15-member squad for Women's T20 World Cup, Athapaththu to lead
New Delhi, May 29
Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in England and Wales.
The team will be led by experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu, who brings immense experience to the side, having featured in all nine previous editions of the tournament, as per the ICC website.
Slated in Group 2 alongside hosts England, Ireland, Scotland, West Indies and the defending champions New Zealand, the Athapaththu-led side will begin their campaign on June 12, facing the hosts in the opening fixture at Edgbaston.
The squad features plenty of new names from the one that played at the previous edition of the tournament two years ago.
Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara and Mithali Ayodhya will all be making their maiden appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup.
The core of the team also features plenty of experienced campaigners, with the likes of Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshika Silva complementing Athapaththu in the side.
Coming on the back of a 3-0 T20I series win, Sri Lanka will be looking to make a strong impression at the upcoming marquee tournament.
Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see new faces like Imesha Dulani and Hansima Karunarathne getting a chance. The more exposure they get at world events, the better for Sri Lankan cricket. Also, Group 2 looks tough—England, New Zealand, and West Indies are no pushovers. But that 3-0 series win must have boosted their confidence!
Good luck to Sri Lanka! But honestly, I wish the BCCI would also send our women's team for more bilateral series against Sri Lanka—it helps both sides improve. These tournaments are great but regular matches build consistency. Athapaththu is an inspiration for many young girls in the subcontinent. 💪
Nice to see Mithali Ayodhya in the squad—she's been performing well in domestic tournaments. But I'm a bit concerned about their batting depth. Apart from Athapaththu and Samarawickrama, there aren't many proven run-scorers at the international level. Hope the youngsters step up!
As someone who follows women's cricket closely, I think Sri Lanka could be a dark horse in this tournament. They've got momentum after that 3-0 clean sweep. But Group 2 is really stacked—hosts England and defending champs New Zealand will be tough. Athapaththu's experience will be crucial against Ireland and Scotland too.
Wishing the Sri Lankan women's team all the best! It's heartening to see South Asian teams investing in women's cricket. But I do feel the gap between top teams like Australia and England and teams like Sri Lanka
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