Sri Lanka set for Asia Cup defence

Sri Lanka have named a strong 15‑member squad for their Asia Cup title defence later this month, with Chamari Athapaththu once again leading the side and Harshitha Samarawickrama confirmed as vice‑captain. The group blends experience with emerging talent, highlighted by the return of right‑arm quick Mithali Ayodhya, who impressed at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup with four wickets.

Dewmi Vihanga earns her first T20I call‑up after featuring in 12 ODIs, while Chethana Vimukthi re‑enters the setup to reinforce the bowling unit. Athapaththu and Samarawickrama anchor the batting, supported by Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva. Rising prospects Sanjana Kavindi, 17, and Imesha Dulani — recently the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century — add youthful depth. Sri Lanka, placed in Group B with Bangladesh, Indonesia and the UAE, open their campaign on August 29 against the Emirati side as they aim to retain their continental crown.