Sri Lanka unveil squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2026; Dewmi Vihanga earns maiden call-up

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Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, with uncapped legspin allrounder Dewmi Vihanga receiving her maiden T20I call-up. Fast bowler Mithali Ayodhya has also returned to the squad, while Chethana Vimukthi has been rewarded with a place after featuring in Sri Lanka’s ODI series against Pakistan last month.

Vihanga’s selection is one of the biggest talking points in Sri Lanka’s squad. The 19-year-old has already represented the national side in 12 ODIs and now has an opportunity to make her T20I debut on a major continental stage.

Her performances in Sri Lanka’s Women’s National Super League earlier this year helped strengthen her case. The legspin allrounder picked up eight wickets in the domestic T20 competition, showcasing her ability to contribute with the ball. Although she played two ODIs against Pakistan last month, she could not take a wicket in those appearances.

Sri Lanka have made three changes to the group that featured recently, with Malki Madara, Rashmika Sewwandi and left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage missing out. Their places have been taken by Vihanga, Ayodhya and Vimukthi.

Ayodhya’s recall adds another experienced bowling option to Sri Lanka’s attack. The right-arm seamer, known for her unusual slingy action, was part of Sri Lanka’s squad at the Women’s T20 World Cup in England earlier this year. She made a notable impact during the tournament, claiming four wickets to finish as Sri Lanka’s second-highest wicket-taker. However, she was subsequently left out of the home T20I series against Pakistan in July.

Vimukthi, meanwhile, returns to the squad after being included in the ODI setup against Pakistan. Her inclusion gives Sri Lanka another seam-bowling option as they prepare for the conditions in Dubai.

Also READ: Women’s Asia Cup 2026 schedule announced: India to face Pakistan on September 5 in blockbuster clash

Chamari Athapaththu will continue to captain Sri Lanka, with Harshitha Samarawickrama remaining her deputy. The squad also retains several promising players, including 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi.

Kavindi made her T20I debut against Pakistan and impressed immediately, scoring 66 runs across two innings at a strike rate of 157.14. Imesha Dulani has also retained her place after becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century.

The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari providing further batting depth. Kaushini Nuthyangana is the only wicketkeeper in the group.

Sri Lanka are drawn alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates in Group B. They will begin their campaign against the UAE on August 29 as they look to defend the title they won in 2024 after defeating India in the final in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-captain), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya

Also READ: BCCI announces star-studded India Women squad for Asia Cup 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.