Sri Lanka women’s cricket team led by Chamari Athapaththu will leave today for the ICC T-20 Women’s Cricket World Cup which will commence on June 12 in England. Sri Lanka 15-member squad features plenty of new names which were not in the last T-20 World Cup squad 2 years ago. Skipper Athapaththu is the most senior player who has featured in all the previous nine editions.

The 19-year-old Mithali Ayodya from Rajela Vidyalaya Kanthale is the new star of the team who performed well at the last Bangladesh series. The right arm medium pace bowler who has unusual slinger action is expected to perform well in this English condition and she hopes to make lasting impact in her debut England tour. Malki Madara and Kawya Kavindi are the two other fast bowlers of the squad while 17-year- old wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani is unlikely go on this tour due to back injury and most probably she will be replaced by fast bowler Chethan Vimukthi. But this was not officially confirmed yesterday. The 20-year-old stylish right hand opener Vishmi Gunaratne who was not included in last Bangladesh series due to wrist injury is back to the form in recently concluded New Zealand A series has been named for the World Cup squad.

The skipper Athapaththu always pointed out recent team performances of T-20 format which give good confidence to the team. But playing World Cup is very special and always challenging. They have made plans to go match by match in this World Cup. New head coach Jamie Siddons and supporting staff, Chamila Gamage – fast bowling coach, Sajeewa Weerakoon – spin coach , Duminda Perera – batting coach and Carman Mapatuna – fielding coach give good support to the team for their preparation for World Cup.

The 15-member squad comprised experienced and young players. Opener Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva are three seniors with skipper Athapaththu. Skipper Chamari the left hand opener is expected to perform well in this T-20 World Cup. Sri Lanka team is in Group 2 alongside hosts England, Ireland, Scotland, West Indies and the defending champions New Zealand. They have a big challenge especially against England in their opening game on June 12 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Sri Lanka women’s team is expected to play two warm up games against Pakistan on June 6 followed by a match against Netherlands on June 9 before the World Cup and both matches will be played in Darby and this is a good opportunity to adjust to the conditions.

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Capt), 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

Sri Lanka’s fixtures at Women’s T20WC 2026:

Juhe 12 Vs England Edgbaston, Birmingham, June 16 VS New Zealand, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton, June 21 Vs West Indies, Bristol County Ground, Bristol, June 23 Vs Ireland, , Bristol County Ground, Bristol, June 26 Vs Scotland, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester