Sri Lanka have announced a competitive 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be hosted in the UAE. In a key decision, an experienced spinner has been recalled, while emerging pacer has been excluded from the squad.

Inoka Ranaweera returns for spin-favored conditions

Inoka Ranaweera has been brought back into the fold after missing out on Sri Lanka’s victorious Women’s Asia Cup squad earlier this year, as well as the team that toured Ireland. Despite her recent absence from international action, Ranaweera has been recalled with the expectation that UAE’s spin-friendly surfaces will play to her strengths.

The veteran left-arm spinner, who boasts 91 wickets in 82 T20Is and an impressive economy rate of 5.86, adds considerable experience to the Sri Lankan bowling attack. While her recent T20I performances haven’t been headline-worthy, her ability to control the game with her variations makes her an invaluable inclusion for the squad.

Limited pace options but depth in spin

With Kawya Kavindi missing out, Sri Lanka heads into the World Cup with just three frontline seamers: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. However, the team’s spin department is well-stocked, with the likes of Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sugandika Kumari, and Kavisha Dilhari joining Ranaweera. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu also offers additional spin options with her part-time off-breaks.

Powerful batting lineup

Sri Lanka’s batting unit looks stronger than ever, with captain Athapaththu leading the charge. The dynamic opener has been in stellar form, and with Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old prodigy Vishmi Gunaratne also in great touch, the team is poised to make an impact with the bat. Fresh off their Asia Cup triumph, the squad will be riding high on confidence as they prepare for the World Cup.

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Challenging group stage awaits

Sri Lanka faces a difficult task in Group A, where they will be up against the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan. The tournament kicks off on October 3, and Sri Lanka will aim to carry forward their momentum from the Asia Cup into this global competition, hoping for a deep run in the knockout stages.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilshari, Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika Kumari

Travelling reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana

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

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