Sri Lanka recall Gunarathne, Gimhani, Kavindi for Women's T20 WC, Ranaweera excluded
Colombo, May 29
Sri Lanka has recalled Vishmi Gunarathne, Shashini Gimhani, and Kawya Kavindi to their squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, while experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera has been left out in a notable change from the group that toured Bangladesh in April-May.
Inoka, who has played 91 T20Is, did not get a game in the T20Is against Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka won 3-0. But she bowled tidy spells in the series against the West Indies in March. Apart from her, Rashmika Sewwandi and Dewmi Vihanga have also been left out of the squad for the 12-team mega event to be played in England from June 12 to July 5.
Vishmi has played 54 T20Is but has struggled for form since the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka will hope that she, along with wrist spinner Shashini and seamer Kawya, hit top form in the World Cup.
Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya are also set to make their first appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka, led by veteran batting all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, will open their campaign against hosts and 2009 winners England at Edgbaston on June 12. Chamari has featured in all the previous nine editions of the tournament.
It is followed by fixtures against New Zealand in Southampton, West Indies and Ireland in Bristol, before concluding their Group 2 games against Scotland at Old Trafford, Manchester, on June 26. The squad is scheduled to depart for England on June 3.
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, and Mithali Ayodhya
— IANS
Reader Comments
Chamari Athapaththu is a legend — playing every T20 World Cup since the start! But let's be honest, Sri Lanka's women's team has been inconsistent. Excluding Ranaweera might backfire if pitches in England assist spin. Hope Vishmi finds her form soon. 🤞
Interesting squad selection. Sri Lanka is going with more batting depth, which could work in England's conditions. But leaving out an experienced bowler like Inoka — that's a brave call. Let's see if it pays off. They have a tough group with England and NZ.
As a cricket fan from Australia, I've always respected Sri Lankan women's cricket. Chamari is a superstar. The squad has potential but lack of experience in big tournaments could be a challenge. Excited to see Vishmi and the new faces perform on the world stage!
Honestly, this feels like a rebuilding phase for Sri Lanka. Ranaweera's exclusion is surprising because she brings control in the middle overs. But I appreciate the selectors thinking long-term. Hopefully, the youngsters grab their chances. First match against England will be a real test! 🔥
Great to see Sri Lanka investing in youth. Vishmi has the talent, just needs runs. Shashini and Kawya add variety in bowling. But I'm a bit skeptical — we've seen such experiments fail before in ICC events. Hope the team management has a clear plan. All the best to the girls! 🙌
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.