Sri Lanka's Bold Squad Move for the Women's T20 Asia Cup

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-14

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the 2026 Women's T20 Asia Cup, and there's plenty to talk about. The biggest headline? Fast bowler Mithali Ayodhya is back, and she's ready to help defend the continental title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tournament runs from August 28 to September 13, 2026, at the Dubai International Stadium. Chamari Athapaththu will continue to lead the side, with Harshitha Samarawickrama as her vice-captain. It's a squad that blends experience with fresh energy, and fans have every reason to be excited. ### Mithali Ayodhya Returns to Bolster the Attack The most anticipated piece of news is the return of 19-year-old Mithali Ayodhya. If you've watched her bowl, you know why fans call her "Lady Malinga" — her low, slingy action is eerily similar to the legendary Lasith Malinga. She missed the recent home T20I series against Pakistan, but her performances in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 made her return a no-brainer. In that global tournament, she picked up four wickets and finished as Sri Lanka's second-highest wicket-taker. Her presence adds genuine pace and a unique threat to the bowling unit, which will be crucial in Dubai's hot and demanding conditions. When you need a breakthrough, Ayodhya is exactly the kind of bowler you want coming in. ### New Faces and Key Changes in the Squad The selectors have made three specific changes to the squad that recently defeated Pakistan in Hambantota. Alongside Ayodhya, seamer Chethana Vimukthi and leg-spin all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga have been brought in. They replace Nimasha Meepage, Malki Madara, and Rashmika Sewwandi. Dewmi Vihanga is celebrating her first-ever T20I call-up. She's already played 12 One Day Internationals (ODIs), but this is her shot at the shortest format at the senior level. She earned her place after a stellar domestic season, taking eight wickets in the Women's National Super League. Chethana Vimukthi, meanwhile, returns to the T20 setup after featuring in the ODI matches against Pakistan. ### Defending the Title in Group B Sri Lanka finds itself in Group B, alongside Bangladesh, the host nation UAE, and debutants Indonesia. The top two teams from the group advance to the semi-finals on September 10 and 11. The schedule is demanding, and every match counts in T20 cricket. Here's a quick look at their group-stage fixtures: - **August 29:** Sri Lanka vs UAE - **September 2:** Sri Lanka vs Indonesia - **September 6:** Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh A single mistake in this format can be incredibly costly, so the team needs to be sharp from the very first ball. The opening match against the UAE will set the tone, and they'll want to hit the ground running. ### Sri Lanka Women's Strong Batting Lineup Captain Chamari Athapaththu and vice-captain Harshitha Samarawickrama will anchor the batting order. Athapaththu recently reminded everyone of her class with a brilliant 106 not out against Ireland in the T20 World Cup. She's the kind of player who can single-handedly change the course of a game. The squad also includes 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who kept her place after a promising debut series against Pakistan. She scored 66 runs in her first two innings at an impressive strike rate of 157.14. That kind of fearless approach is exactly what you need in a high-pressure tournament. ### Final Squad Composition The all-rounders include Nilakshika Silva, who is the only pace-bowling all-rounder in the group. The rest of the squad is a mix of proven performers and hungry newcomers, all eager to make their mark on the continental stage. Sri Lanka knows what it takes to win this tournament, and they've assembled a squad that can go all the way. With Ayodhya back in the attack and a batting lineup that has firepower at the top, this team looks dangerous. The only question now is whether they can deliver when it matters most.