Sri Lanka’s preparations for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 have been significantly impacted by the news that all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga will miss the tournament. Vihanga sustained a right knee injury during a practice session, leading to her withdrawal from the event. This development poses a challenge for the Sri Lankan team as they look to compete at a high level in the upcoming tournament.
Sri Lanka have named Left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage as her replacement in the 15-member squad. Seasoned batting all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu will lead a strong 15-member Sri Lanka squad, with batter Harshitha Samarawickrama named as the vice-captain. Sri Lanka’s hopes have also been boosted by the return of pacers Mithali Ayodhya and Chethana Vimukthi, who were not part of Sri Lanka’s recent T20I series against Pakistan in Hambantota, which the hosts won by 2-1. The tournament is scheduled to be held in the UAE from August 28 to September 13, 2026. Sri Lanka will begin their title defence against the UAE on August 29, before facing Indonesia on September 2 and concluding their group-stage assignments against Bangladesh in a marquee clash on September 6. Sri Lanka stunned seven-time winners India in the 2024 final to claim their maiden Asia Cup title in front of their home crowd in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka updated squad: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-captain), Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Nimasha Meepage, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi and Mithali Ayodhya.
Vihanga, who was awaiting her senior international debut, has not travelled with the team to the UAE, according to Cricinfo. Defending champions Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, hosts UAE, and debutants Indonesia. The 10th edition of the tournament is also the first instance of the competition being played in the UAE.
