COLOMBO, August 24, 2026: Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team will leave the island for the United Arab Emirates as they begin their quest to successfully defend the Women’s Asia Cup title.
The Sri Lankan team will compete in the DP World Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, which will be played in the UAE from August 28 to September 13. The defending champions have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Led by experienced all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka will enter the tournament determined to retain the continental crown and once again establish their dominance in women’s cricket in Asia. Harshitha Samarawickrama has been appointed vice-captain.
Sri Lanka will begin their title defence against the United Arab Emirates on August 29 at the Dubai International Stadium, with the match scheduled for 6.30 p.m. local time.
The Sri Lankan squad combines experienced campaigners with promising young talent. Athapaththu and Samarawickrama will provide leadership and experience at the top of the order, while the squad also includes recent T20I performers such as Imesha Dulani, who made headlines with a century against Pakistan.
Seventeen-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who recently made her T20I debut against Pakistan, is also included in the squad. Fast bowler Mithali Ayodhya returns after an impressive showing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, while Dewmi Vihanga receives 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’s second Group B match will be against Indonesia on September 4, followed by their final group game against Bangladesh on September 8. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 10 and 11, with the final set for September 13 in Dubai.
With a blend of experience, youth and renewed talent, Sri Lanka will hope to carry their recent momentum into the UAE and make another successful run at the continental championship.
For the defending champions, the mission is clear: leave Sri Lanka as champions and return home with the Asia Cup trophy once again.
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