DUBAI, August 29, 2026: Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team begin their campaign to defend the Women’s Asia Cup title with high expectations, as the 10th edition of the tournament gets underway in the United Arab Emirates.
The T20 International tournament runs from August 28 to September 13, with eight teams battling for continental supremacy.
Sri Lanka enter the competition as defending champions after making history in 2024 by winning their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title, defeating India in the final. Led once again by experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu, the reigning champions will be determined to show that their historic triumph was the beginning of a new era rather than a one-off achievement.
Harshitha Samarawickrama has been named vice-captain, while the squad combines experienced campaigners, proven match-winners and emerging talent.
Sri Lanka will open their title defence against hosts United Arab Emirates on August 29 at the Dubai International Stadium. The opening fixture gives the champions an immediate opportunity to set the tone for their campaign.
The defending champions have been placed in Group B alongside UAE, Bangladesh and Indonesia. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, making consistency during the group stage crucial.
Bangladesh are expected to provide Sri Lanka with their toughest challenge in the group, while the UAE will look to use home conditions to their advantage. Indonesia, meanwhile, will enter the tournament hoping to produce an upset against the more established sides.
Much of Sri Lanka’s campaign will once again revolve around Athapaththu. Her ability to score quickly at the top of the order and contribute with the ball makes her one of the tournament’s most influential players. Sri Lanka will also look to their experienced core to provide stability in pressure situations.
However, the champions have been forced to make a late change to their squad. All-rounder Dewmi Vihanga has been ruled out after suffering a right-knee injury, with left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage named as her replacement in the 15-member squad.
Beyond the group stage, Sri Lanka face strong competition from traditional rivals India and Pakistan. India remain the most successful team in Women’s Asia Cup history and will again be among the favourites, while Pakistan possess the quality to challenge any side on their day.
Bangladesh, Thailand and the tournament’s emerging teams will also be looking to make their presence felt.
For Sri Lanka, however, the mission is straightforward: retain the crown and establish themselves as a dominant force in Asian women’s cricket.
Defending the title will require more than individual brilliance. The long road to the final will demand discipline, adaptability and composure under pressure. In T20 cricket, a single outstanding innings, match-winning spell or moment of brilliance in the field can completely change the course of a tournament.
Sri Lanka have already made history once.
Now, Athapaththu and her team will be looking to make history again.
