Sri Lanka announced a balanced 15-member staff for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026once again they trusted the veteran skipper Chamari Athapathu as they prepare for a tough campaign England and Wales. The lineup combines well-known international performers with many new talents, reflecting the team’s desire to make a significant impact on the global scene.
With the tournament looming, Sri Lanka will be keen to build on their recent success and carry their winning momentum into one of the biggest events in women’s cricket.
Several players are set to make their World Cup debut
One notable feature of Sri Lanka’s selection is the inclusion of several players who are set to host the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time. Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara and Mithali Ayodhya all have earned squad spots and are set to make their World Cup debuts.
Their selection signals Sri Lanka’s commitment to developing the next generation of cricketers while maintaining a competitive balance within the team. Fresh faces will have the opportunity to learn alongside seasoned campaigners and contribute on the biggest stage in women’s cricket.
Experienced basis for supporting Chamari Athapaththu
While youth make up the bulk of the squad, Sri Lanka have also retained a strong group of experienced performers. Athapaththu will once again assume the leadership responsibility and remain the team’s most effective player with both bat and ball.
Experienced names like the captain will support Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva. Meanwhile, thoroughly Kaveesha Dilhari and Vishmi Gunaratne Sri Lanka are expected to play key roles as they prepare to compete against some of the strongest teams in the world.
The selectors have opted for a combination of experience and youthful enthusiasm, hoping the mix can help the side achieve more consistency throughout the tournament.
Also READ: Gabi Lewis to lead Ireland squad for 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup
A difficult group stage awaits
Sri Lanka are drawn in a competitive Group 2 alongside the hosts Englandthe defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland.
Their campaign kicks off with a tough opening clash against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 12. They will then face New Zealand in Southampton on June 16 before taking on the West Indies and Ireland in Bristol on June 21 and June 23. Their final group stage game is against Scotland in Manchester on June 26.
Having never made it beyond the group stage in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will look at the 2026 edition as a valuable opportunity to create history. With Athapaththu leading a talented mix of experience and youth, the island nation will be determined to challenge the heavyweights of the tournament and secure a spot in the play-offs.
Sri Lanka squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kashinith Madimha, Shashnith Madimha, Shashnith Madimha Ayodhya.
Also READ: Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris headline Australia’s T20 Women’s World Cup 2026 squad
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
