Sri Lanka Name Strong 15-Member Squad for 2026 Asian Games

Sri Lanka have announced a strong 15-member women’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani, top-order batter Hansima Karunaratne and seamer Rashmika Sewwandi returning to the national setup.

The squad will be led by experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu, with several key players, including Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari, also included as Sri Lanka look to make a strong start to the tournament.

Sanjeewani, Karunaratne and Sewwandi have all represented Sri Lanka since June and have now been rewarded with places in the Asian Games squad.

However, there are notable omissions from the team. Batters Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva have not been selected. Silva had been in impressive form earlier this year but suffered a fractured finger during the Asia Cup. Gunaratne, who made her international debut as a teenager and is now 21, has also seen a recent dip in her run-scoring form.

Spin-bowling allrounder Dewmi Vihanga is another absentee. She was initially included in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup squad but was withdrawn after suffering a knee injury. Nimasha Meepage, who replaced Vihanga in that squad, has retained her place in the Asian Games team.

Despite the omissions, Sri Lanka’s squad is close to full strength and features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging players.

Eight teams will compete in the women’s cricket event at the Asian Games, with Sri Lanka joined by India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, China, Malaysia and hosts Japan.

Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Malaysia on Friday in what is expected to be a knockout-style tournament, making the opening match particularly important.

Sri Lanka squad for 2026 Asian Games

• Chamari Athapaththu (captain)

• Imesha Dulani

• Sanjana Kavindi

• Hansima Karunaratne

• Harshitha Samarawickrama

• Anushka Sanjeewani

• Kavisha Dilhari

• Hasini Perera

• Kaushini Nuthyangana

• Nimasha Meepage

• Sugandika Dasanayaka

• Rashmika Sewwandi

• Chamudi Praboda

• Mithali Ayodhya

• Kawya Kavindi