Sri Lanka announce squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2026

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed their squad of fifteen players for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, the continental tournament scheduled to take place across the United Arab Emirates between August 28 and September 13, 2026. Chamari Athapaththu will lead the side, with Harshitha Samarawickrama named as her deputy.

Among the notable inclusions is Imesha Dulani, who on July 31, 2026 struck an unbeaten 101 against Pakistan to become only the second Sri Lanka women’s batter to reach three figures in T20I cricket, following Athapaththu. Her presence strengthens a batting line-up that has shown considerable depth in recent months.

Sri Lanka head into the tournament carrying strong momentum from their T20I outings in 2026, with back-to-back series victories providing a solid platform ahead of the Asia Cup.

How has Sri Lanka performed in T20Is during 2026?

Sri Lanka’s T20I calendar in 2026 has produced two series wins of note. In February and March 2026, they defeated West Indies 2-0, with Athapaththu recognised as Player of the Series for her contributions across both disciplines.

They then produced an even more commanding display against Bangladesh, completing a 3-0 whitewash between April 28 and May 2, 2026. Athapaththu was again named Player of the Series, having scored 115 runs across three innings while also claiming four wickets, underlining her value as an all-rounder at the highest level.

Dulani’s unbeaten century against Pakistan in July 2026 added further evidence that Sri Lanka’s batting resources now extend meaningfully beyond their captain, a development that will encourage the team management heading into the Asia Cup.

In the Women’s T20 World Cup in England, Sri Lanka finished third in their group and failed to progress to the semi-final.

Where do Sri Lanka stand in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings?

According to the ICC annual T20I rankings published on May 5, 2026, Sri Lanka women occupied seventh position among all T20I nations. At that point, they trailed the sixth-ranked side by just one point, reflecting how close the competition had become in the global standings.

The series victories over West Indies and Bangladesh, combined with individual milestones such as Dulani’s century, indicate a team that has been building consistently in the format. Their seventh-place standing places them firmly within the competitive middle tier of women’s T20I cricket as they prepare for the Asia Cup.

Also Read: India-Pakistan meeting reserved for medal matches at Asian Games 2026

Sri Lanka full squad for Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (Vice Captain), Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (Wicketkeeper), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi and Mithali Ayodya.