Squad Shake-up Ahead of World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. The selection process has seen a mix of experienced leadership and youthful energy, though it comes with some surprising omissions.

The most notable exclusion is the 40-year-old veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera. With 91 T20Is to her name, Ranaweera's absence marks a significant transition for the side. Despite not featuring in the T20Is against Bangladesh, she had shown consistency during her last tour against the West Indies in March, picking up a brace in two of her three outings.

Fresh Faces and Recalls

In a bid to inject more batting firepower and versatile bowling, the selectors have recalled 20-year-old batter Vishmi Gunaratne. Gunaratne, who has appeared in 54 T20Is, is considered one of the country's most promising talents despite a dip in form since the start of the 2024 cycle.

Adding to the youth infusion are 17-year-old ambidextrous wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani and 23-year-old seamer Kawya Kavindi. Meanwhile, Rashmika Sewwandi and Dewmi Vihanga, who were part of the tour to Bangladesh, have also been left out of the final squad.

The Road to Glory: Fixtures and Schedule

Led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan side is scheduled to depart for England on June 3. Their campaign kicks off with a high-profile tournament opener against England at Edgbaston on June 12.

Following the opener, the team will face a challenging schedule including matches against:

• New Zealand in Southampton
• West Indies and Ireland in Bristol
• Scotland at Old Trafford on June 26 (their final league game)

Official 15-Player Squad

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya.