Nimasha Meepage Replaces Injured Dewmi Vihanga in Sri Lanka’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup Squad
Sri Lanka Women have made a change to their 15-player selection for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, bringing in Nimasha Meepage after Dewmi Vihanga was ruled out because of a knee injury.
What Happened
Dewmi Vihanga suffered an injury to her right knee while playing in a practice match, leading to her being sidelined for the entire Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026. While the precise date of the practice fixture and additional details regarding the injury remain unconfirmed, the team management selected Nimasha Meepage to fill the vacancy in the touring party.
Meepage, who made her international T20 debut in December 2025, has made 14 appearances for Sri Lanka across all formats. In the T20 international format, she has bowled in nine innings, taking six wickets with an economy rate of 7.66 and a bowling average of 38.33.
Key Highlights
- Injury Update: Dewmi Vihanga will miss the tournament due to a right knee injury suffered during a practice fixture.
- Replacement Named: Nimasha Meepage joins the 15-player group to bolster the bowling department.
- Leadership: Chamari Athapaththu leads the side as captain, supported by Harshitha Samarawickrama as vice-captain.
- Wicketkeeping Duties: Kaushini Nuthyangana features as the only designated wicketkeeper in the selection.
- Tournament Details: The competition will run in the UAE from August 28 to September 13, 2026.
- Group Allocation: Sri Lanka is placed in Group B with Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the UAE, opening their campaign against the UAE on August 29.
- Revised Squad Members: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-capt), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya, Nimasha Meepage.
Why This Matters
Sri Lanka enters the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 as the reigning champions after clinching the 2024 edition with a final victory over India in Dambulla. Maintaining bowling options is central to their title defense, and team management has turned to Meepage, alongside established figures like Vishmi Gunaratne, Sugandika Kumari, and Sanjana Kavindi, to maintain depth across their campaign.
What to Watch Next
Sri Lanka’s campaign in the UAE begins on August 29, 2026, when they play their first Group B fixture against the host nation, followed by group matches against Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dewmi Vihanga ruled out of the Asia Cup?
Vihanga was ruled out of the competition after sustaining a right knee injury during a practice match.
Who is replacing Vihanga in the Sri Lanka squad?
Nimasha Meepage has been called up to take Vihanga’s place in the 15-member traveling group.
When and where is the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 taking place?
The tournament is scheduled to take place in the UAE between August 28 and September 13, 2026.
Who are Sri Lanka’s opponents in the group stage?
Sri Lanka is grouped alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the UAE in Group B.
Source: CricTracker