COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in Dubai, with defending champions retaining Chamari Athapaththu as captain as they prepare to begin their title defence against the United Arab Emirates on August 29.
- Chamari Athapaththu will captain Sri Lanka, with Harshitha Samarawickrama as deputy.
- Mithali Ayodhya has returned after an impressive Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
- Dewmi Vihanga has received her maiden T20I call-up.
- Sri Lanka are in Group B with Bangladesh, Indonesia and the UAE.
Sri Lanka Retain Core for Asia Cup Title Defence
The Sri Lanka squad combines experienced campaigners with several players who have recently made their mark in international cricket. Athapaththu will continue to lead the side, while Samarawickrama has been named her deputy.
Athapaththu and Samarawickrama are expected to provide the foundation for the batting unit. Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva are among the other batting options included in the 15-member group.
Mithali Ayodhya Returns to Sri Lanka Squad
Right-arm pacer Mithali Ayodhya has been brought back into the squad following her performances at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Despite making her international debut only in April, Ayodhya claimed four wickets at the tournament.
Her performance made her Sri Lanka’s second-highest wicket-taker during the competition and earned her another opportunity in the side for the Asia Cup title defence.
Dewmi Vihanga Gets Maiden T20I Call-Up
Leg-spinner and all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga has received her first T20I call-up. She already has experience at the international level, having represented Sri Lanka in 12 ODIs.
Her inclusion gives the defending champions another spin-bowling and all-round option as they prepare for the tournament in Dubai.
Chethana Vimukthi Returns to Strengthen Bowling
Sri Lanka have also recalled Chethana Vimukthi as they look to add further depth to their bowling attack. Her return is part of a wider selection that blends established players with younger members of the squad.
The team also includes 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who recently made her T20I debut during Sri Lanka’s series against Pakistan.
Imesha Dulani Retains Her Place
Imesha Dulani has kept her place in the squad after producing a significant performance in the recent Pakistan series. She became only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century during that series.
Her retention gives Sri Lanka another player coming into the tournament with recent international success behind her.
Sri Lanka Placed in Group B
The defending champions have been drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Their opening match will be against the UAE on August 29.
The group-stage campaign will give Sri Lanka an early opportunity to assess their combination before the tournament moves further into the competition. The squad’s mix of experienced players, returning bowlers and emerging talent will be central to their attempt to retain the title.
Sri Lanka Asia Cup Squad
The 15-member squad includes Chamari Athapaththu, Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Sanjana Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Hasini Perera, Chamudi Praboda, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga and Chethana Vimukthi.
Key Players to Watch
Athapaththu remains the senior figure at the top of the batting order, while Samarawickrama will support her as vice-captain. Ayodhya’s return adds pace-bowling experience following her World Cup showing, while Vihanga’s maiden T20I selection introduces another spin and all-round option.
Dulani also enters the tournament after her century in the Pakistan series, while Sanjana Kavindi represents one of the younger players in the squad following her recent international debut.
FAQs
Who will captain Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup?
Chamari Athapaththu will captain Sri Lanka, with Harshitha Samarawickrama serving as vice-captain.
Who is making her maiden T20I squad appearance for Sri Lanka?
Leg-spinner and all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga has received her maiden T20I call-up. She has previously played 12 ODIs for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Begin Title Defence on August 29
Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on August 29. The defending champions have selected a squad that includes established leaders, recent performers and emerging international players as they prepare for the tournament in Dubai.
With Athapaththu continuing as captain and several players arriving after strong recent performances, Sri Lanka will now turn their attention to the opening match of their title defence.
