Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka rope in Chethana Vimukthi as injury replacement for Shashini Gimhani

Sri Lanka rope in Chethana Vimukthi as injury replacement for Shashini Gimhani ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Sri Lanka have made a late change to their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with uncapped seamer Chethana Vimukthi replacing injured spinner Shashini Gimhani.

The 17-year-old Gimhani has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a lower-back injury during a training session. The young ambidextrous wrist-spinner was considered one of Sri Lanka’s promising talents and was expected to play a key role in the side’s campaign.

Vimukthi, a right-arm pacer, comes into the squad despite not having made her T20I debut yet. However, she has some international experience under her belt, having featured in three One Day Internationals against New Zealand in March 2025.

Led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka departed for England on June 2 and will begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against hosts England at Edgbaston on June 12.

Placed in Group 2, Sri Lanka face a challenging road to the knockout stages. Apart from England, they are scheduled to take on New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland. The Islanders will be eager to improve on their disappointing 2024 campaign, where they failed to register a single victory.

Sri Lanka head into the global event on the back of an impressive run in bilateral T20I cricket. They recently completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh, successfully defending totals in all three matches.

Prior to that, the Asian side also secured a convincing 2-0 T20I series victory over West Indies, further boosting confidence ahead of the marquee tournament. Before their World Cup opener, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two warm-up matches. They will take on Pakistan on June 6 before facing the Netherlands on June 9.

Updated 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, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi.

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