Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 15-member squad on Thursday for the upcoming 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup. The national selection committee recalled fast bowler Mithali Ayodhya to help defend the continental title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This important tournament will take place from 28 August to 13 September 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium. Chamari Athapaththu remains the captain, while Harshitha Samarawickrama will serve as her vice-captain.
Legspin allrounder Dewmi Vihanga has earned a maiden T20I call-up while right-arm quick Mithali Ayodhya has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup later this month in Dubai pic.twitter.com/ww937NEp0Q
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 13, 2026
Mithali Ayodhya Returns to Bolster the Attack
The biggest news in this squad announcement is the return of 19-year-old Mithali Ayodhya. Her fans often call her “Lady Maling” for her low, sling action that is similar to the legendary Lasith Malinga. Ayodhya missed the recent home T20I series against Pakistan, but previous performances made her return inevitable.
She was a key player for her side in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year. She took four wickets in that global tournament and became the second highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka. Her presence gives the bowling unit added pace and a unique threat as they prepare for the hot conditions in Dubai.
New Faces and Key Changes in the Squad
The selectors have made three specific changes to the squad that recently defeated Pakistan in Hambantota. Seamer Chethana Vimukthi and leg-spin all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga are welcomed back in the team along with Ayodhya. These three players are replacing Nimasha Meepage, Malki Madara and Rashmika Sewwandi.
🚨 **BREAKING: The Sri Lanka Women’s Squad Just Got A WHOLE LOT HOTTIER!** 🔥🇱🇰
Think you know the SL Women’s lineup? Think again! 🤯
They’ve recalled the SLAYER herself, **Mithali Ayodhya**! 💥🏏 The girl with the slingy action is BACK, ready to terrorize the opposition after… pic.twitter.com/PJukrqRXkM
— Cricap (@Cricap2024) August 13, 2026
Dewmi Vihanga is celebrating her first-ever call-up to the T20I squad. Although she has already played 12 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for her country, this is her first chance to play the shortest format at the senior international level. Vihanga earned this spot after a fantastic domestic season where she took eight wickets in the Women’s National Super League. Meanwhile, Chethana Vimukthi returns to the T20 group after recently playing in the ODI matches against Pakistan.
Defending the Title in Group B
Sri Lanka will play in Group B during the opening stage of the tournament. They will face tough competition from Bangladesh, the host nation UAE, and debutants Indonesia. The top two teams from this group will move into the semi-finals on 10 and 11 September.
The team will start their title defence against the UAE on 29 August. Following this opening match, they will play Indonesia on 2 September. Their final group game is a massive clash against Bangladesh on 6 September. All these matches are extremely important because a single mistake in the T20 format can be very costly.
Sri Lanka’s Group Stage Schedule:
29 August
Sri Lanka vs UAE
2 September
Sri Lanka vs Indonesia
6 September
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka Women’s Strong Batting Lineup
Captain Chamari Athapaththu and vice-captain Harshitha Samarawickrama will lead the batting front. Athapaththu recently showed her class by scoring a brilliant 106 not out against Ireland in the T20 World Cup.
The squad also includes 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who kept her place after a successful debut series against Pakistan. She scored 66 runs in her first two innings with an impressive strike rate of 157.14.
Final Squad Composition
The all-rounders include Nilakshika Silva, who is the only pace-bowling all-rounder in the group. The other three all-rounders—Kavisha Dilhari, Chamari Athapaththu, and Dewmi Vihanga—all bowl right-arm off-break spin. Sugandika Kumari is the most senior bowler in the squad and will be expected to lead the bowling unit effectively.
Sri Lanka Women’s T20 Asia Cup Full 15-member Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama (vc), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Sanjana Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Hasini Perera, Chamudi Praboda, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, and Chethana Vimukthi.
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