Sri Lanka have named their 15-member squad for the Women’s Asian Games 2026, with Chamari Athapaththu continuing to lead a side that largely resembles the group that featured in the recent Women’s Asia Cup. The tournament got underway on September 17, although the opening match between Bangladesh Women and China Women was abandoned because of a wet outfield. Sri Lanka will begin their campaign on September 18 against Malaysia Women.
Four changes from Asia Cup squad for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have made four changes to their Asia Cup squad for the Asian Games, with Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Chetana Vimukthi and Dewmi Vihanga missing from the new 15-member group. Silva’s omission stands out given her contribution during the Asia Cup. She finished as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer, behind India’s Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Gunaratne, meanwhile, featured in two matches for Sri Lanka during the competition, including the final against India.
Vimukthi also played three games in the Asia Cup and claimed three wickets. Despite their contributions during the tournament, neither player has been included in the squad for the Asian Games. The changes have opened the door for several players to return to the national setup.
Anushka Sanjeewani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Hansima Karunaratne and Nimasha Meepage included
Rashmika Sewwandi has earned a place in the squad after featuring against Pakistan in August. Hansima Karunaratne, Nimasha Meepage and Anushka Sanjeewani are the other additions to the group. Meepage was also part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the Pakistan series before missing out on selection for the Asia Cup. Her return provides another option as Sri Lanka prepare for the knockout-stage fixture.
Sanjeewani’s selection marks a significant return to the T20I setup. The wicketkeeper-batter last played a T20I in March 2025 during Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand. Athapaththu will captain a squad that also includes Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Mithali Ayodhya etc.
Sri Lanka’s first Asian Games fixture is scheduled for September 18, when they take on Malaysia Women in the third quarter-final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. The side enters the tournament after reaching the final of the Women’s Asia Cup. Sri Lanka topped Group B after winning all of their group-stage matches before defeating Pakistan in the semi-final to secure their place in the title clash. However, their campaign ended with a 72-run defeat against India in the final. India posted 183/5 before Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111.
Sri Lanka squad for Women’s Asian Games 2026: Chamari Athapaththu, Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Anushka Sanjeewani, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Nimasha Meepage, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Rashmika Sewwandi, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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