Sri Lanka have updated their squad for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 after Dewmi Vihanga withdrew due to a right‑knee injury. The defending champions will open their campaign on 28 August, and the loss of Vihanga is an early setback. The board responded quickly, adding a replacement to the 15‑player roster.
Replacement announced for Dewmi Vihanga
Vihanga suffered the injury during a practice session and has been ruled out of the entire tournament. Although further details have not been disclosed, the setback forced Sri Lanka to make a late squad adjustment ahead of their title defence. Nimasha Meepage has been drafted in as the replacement, giving her a chance to impact a major international event. Her inclusion keeps the balance of the squad intact while adding another bowling option to Chamari Athapaththu’s side.
Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup run against hosts UAE on 29 August. They are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Indonesia, where the group stage will serve as a crucial warm‑up before the knockout phase. Athapaththu will continue as captain, with Harshitha Samarawickrama named vice‑captain. Kaushini Nuthyangana remains the sole wicketkeeper in the revised squad.
As defending champions, Sri Lanka secured their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title in 2024, defeating India in the final at Dambulla. The team now aims to build on that success when the tournament returns to the UAE.
What does Nimasha Meepage bring to the table?
Meepage, while not yet a senior international name, has been given an opportunity to shine. She made her T20I debut in December 2025 and has featured for Sri Lanka 14 times across formats. In T20 internationals she has taken six wickets in nine innings, posting a bowling average of 38.33 and an economy rate of 7.66. Those figures indicate room for growth, but also show she is still developing at the highest level.
Her call‑up adds depth to Sri Lanka’s bowling options ahead of a demanding tournament. With seasoned bowlers such as Vishmi Gunaratne, Sugandika Kumari and Sanjana Kavindi already in the squad, Meepage will have the chance to learn while contributing when needed. The immediate focus for the team is to ensure Vihanga’s absence does not disrupt preparations. With the tournament just days away, Meepage will need to settle quickly and be ready to perform whenever her captain calls upon her.
Sri Lanka squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2026 (Updated): Chamari Athapaththu (c), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vc), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya, Nimasha Meepage
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