COLOMBO, August 24, 2026: Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team will depart for the United Arab Emirates as they begin their campaign to defend the Women’s Asia Cup title.
The defending champions will compete in the DP World Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in the UAE from August 28 to September 13. Sri Lanka have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Led by experienced all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka will be aiming to retain their continental crown. Harshitha Samarawickrama has been named vice-captain.
Sri Lanka will open their title defence against the United Arab Emirates on August 29 at the Dubai International Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 6.30 p.m. local time.
The squad features a combination of experienced players and emerging talent. Athapaththu and Samarawickrama will provide leadership at the top of the order, while recent T20I performers such as Imesha Dulani, who recently hit a century against Pakistan, add further batting strength.
Seventeen-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who made her T20I debut against Pakistan, has also been included. Fast bowler Mithali Ayodya returns following an impressive performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while Dewmi Vihanga earns her maiden T20I call-up after establishing herself in the ODI format.
Sri Lanka Women’s Asia Cup Squad
- Chamari Athapaththu – Captain
- Harshitha Samarawickrama – Vice-Captain
- Imesha Dulani
- Sanjana Kavindi
- Vishmi Gunaratne
- Kaveesha Dilhari
- Nilakshika Silva
- Hasini Perera
- Kaushini Nuthyangana – Wicketkeeper
- Dewmi Vihanga
- Sugandika Dassanayaka
- Chamudi Praboda
- Chethana Vimukthi
- Kawya Kavindi
- Mithali Ayodya
The squad was officially announced by Sri Lanka Cricket on August 13.
Sri Lanka will face Indonesia on September 4 in their second Group B match before concluding the group stage against Bangladesh on September 8.
The semi-finals are scheduled for September 10 and 11, while the final will be played on September 13 in Dubai.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Sri Lanka will look to carry their recent momentum into the tournament and make another strong bid for the continental championship.
For the defending champions, the objective is straightforward: retain the Asia Cup title and return home with the trophy once again.
