Sri Lanka Announces Women’s T20 Asia Cup Squad, Welcomes Back Chethana Vimukthi
Sri Lanka has confirmed its squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup, bringing back seamer Chethana Vimukthi, who participated in the ODI series against Pakistan last month. She replaces Malki Madara, seam-bowling allrounder Rashmika Sewwandi, and left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage.
Vimukthi joins Mithali Ayodhya, who has been recalled after missing the bilateral home series against Pakistan. Known for her slingy bowling action, Ayodhya was part of the T20 World Cup squad but did not feature in the recent series. She notably took four wickets, the second-most for Sri Lanka, during the 12-team tournament held in England in June.
Dewmi Vihanga is also included in the squad, having played 12 ODIs and taken eight wickets in the Women’s National Super League earlier this year. She had a less impactful performance in the two ODIs against Pakistan last month, returning wicketless.
The squad retains 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who made her T20I debut against Pakistan, scoring 66 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 157.14. Another notable retention is Imesha Dulani, who became only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century.
Joining them are Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, and Nilakshika Silva, while Kaushini Nuthyangana will serve as the sole wicketkeeper in the 15-member lineup. Harshitha Samarawickrama will act as vice-captain under Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership.
Group B of the Asia Cup
Sri Lanka is positioned in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. They will commence their title defense against the UAE on August 29. Sri Lanka currently holds the Asia Cup title, having triumphed over India in the final held in Dambulla in 2024.
Sri Lanka Squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup
Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-captain), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
