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Defending champions Sri Lanka have unveiled their 15 member squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, and it is a selection designed to retain the crown they won so memorably two years ago. Chamari Athapaththu will once again lead the side, with the tournament set to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates from late August through to mid September.
Athapaththu leads the charge
Chamari Athapaththu remains the beating heart of this Sri Lanka side, and her continuation as captain was never in doubt. The dynamic opener has been the face of Sri Lankan women’s cricket for a decade, and her leadership was central to the team’s historic Asia Cup triumph in 2024.
Harshitha Samarawickrama will serve as vice captain, a role she has grown into, and the two will anchor a batting unit that also features the experience of Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva.
Athapaththu arrives in fine form, having completed a magnificent century against Ireland at the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her ability to take a game away from the opposition in the powerplay remains Sri Lanka’s greatest weapon, and her duel with the region’s best bowlers will be one of the storylines of the tournament.
A blend of experience and youth
The selectors have struck a careful balance, blending seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The most notable new face is Dewmi Vihanga, the uncapped leg spin all rounder who earns her maiden T20I call up. The 19 year old has already represented Sri Lanka in 12 one day internationals, and the selectors clearly believe she is ready for the step up to the continental stage.
There is also a welcome return for fast bowler Mithali Ayodhya, whose unusual slingy action troubled batters at the Women’s T20 World Cup in England earlier this year. She claimed four wickets in that tournament to finish as Sri Lanka’s second highest wicket taker, and her recall adds genuine pace to the attack.
Chethana Vimukthi also returns to bolster the bowling department, rewarded for her performances in the ODI series against Pakistan.
Among the younger brigade, 17 year old Sanjana Kavindi retains her place after making her T20I debut in the recent series against Pakistan, while Imesha Dulani is included after becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century.
The squad in full
Sri Lanka squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya.
Kaushini Nuthyangana remains the specialist wicketkeeper in the group, while the spin bowling depth, led by Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari, gives Athapaththu plenty of options through the middle overs.
The challenge of defending the title
Winning a title is hard. Defending it is harder. Sri Lanka know this better than most, and the field for the 2026 edition is arguably stronger than ever, with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh all capable of mounting serious challenges.
The tournament will be hosted by the UAE, a venue where conditions tend to favour the slower bowlers, and Sri Lanka’s spin heavy squad appears well suited to that environment. The selectors have clearly built the side with those conditions in mind, loading up on spinners and all rounders who can control the middle overs.
Sri Lanka’s triumph in 2024 was built on exactly this formula, with the spinners strangling opposition batting line ups while Athapaththu and company provided the fireworks with the bat. The blueprint worked once. Whether it works again will depend on whether the younger players can handle the pressure of a title defence.
What it means for the region
For Bangladesh, who will also compete in the tournament, Sri Lanka’s squad announcement offers an early glimpse of one of their key rivals. The two sides have developed a genuine rivalry in recent years, and their meeting in the Asia Cup is always eagerly anticipated.
The Women’s T20 Asia Cup has grown in stature with each edition, and the 2026 tournament promises to be the most competitive yet. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, it also represents a valuable opportunity for every side to fine tune their plans and build momentum.
Sri Lanka, as defending champions, carry the weight of expectation. Their squad, with its blend of proven winners and exciting newcomers, suggests they are ready for the challenge. The stage is set for what should be a fascinating tournament.
