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Sri Lanka Names 15-Player Squad for Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 in UAE

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates between August 28 and September 13, 2026. Veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu will lead the side, with Harshitha Samarawickrama serving as the vice-captain.

What Happened

The continental tournament selection features a mix of established players and emerging performers. A key inclusion in the lineup is batter Imesha Dulani, who scored an unbeaten 101 against Pakistan on July 31, 2026. With that innings, Dulani became only the second Sri Lankan woman to register a century in T20 International cricket, following Athapaththu.

The full 15-member squad confirmed for the tournament comprises Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama (Vice Captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunarathne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (Wicketkeeper), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodya.

Key Highlights

  • Tournament Details: The Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 will be hosted across venues in the United Arab Emirates from August 28 to September 13, 2026.
  • Leadership Duo: Chamari Athapaththu captains the 15-member side, with Harshitha Samarawickrama named as vice-captain.
  • Recent 2026 Series Form: Sri Lanka enters the competition on the back of two T20I series wins in 2026—defeating the West Indies 2-0 across February and March, followed by a 3-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh between April 28 and May 2.
  • Key Contributions: Athapaththu was named Player of the Series in both bilateral contests, including a haul of 115 runs and four wickets in the Bangladesh series.
  • Global Standing: In the ICC annual T20I rankings published on May 5, 2026, Sri Lanka held the seventh spot, trailing the sixth-ranked side by one rating point.
  • Recent Tournament Context: At the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, Sri Lanka placed third in their group and did not qualify for the semi-finals.

Why This Matters

The squad announcement reflects Sri Lanka’s efforts to build on strong bilateral momentum in the 2026 calendar year. Dulani’s century against Pakistan and Athapaththu’s consistent all-round returns have added depth to Sri Lanka’s batting and bowling options ahead of regional competition in the UAE.

What to Watch Next

Sri Lanka will open their Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 campaign in the United Arab Emirates as the tournament begins on August 28, 2026, running through to the final on September 13, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is captaining Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026?

Chamari Athapaththu will captain the Sri Lankan team, with Harshitha Samarawickrama serving as the vice-captain.

When and where is the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 taking place?

The tournament is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates between August 28 and September 13, 2026.

What is Imesha Dulani’s recent milestone?

On July 31, 2026, Imesha Dulani scored an unbeaten 101 against Pakistan, becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to hit a T20I century.

Source: CricTracker