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Ambidextrous spinner Shashini Gimhani in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad – Shashini Gimhani Headlines Sri Lanka Women’s T20 World Cup Squad

Ali Naseer · 29/05/2026 · 3 min read

A New Era for Sri Lankan Cricket

As the cricketing world turns its attention to England for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka has unveiled a dynamic squad blending seasoned leadership with exciting young talent. Set to commence on June 12, this tournament represents a significant milestone for the island nation, with captain Chamari Athapaththu leading the charge into her historic tenth T20 World Cup appearance.

The Rise of Shashini Gimhani

Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion in the squad is 17-year-old wristspinner Shashini Gimhani. Known for her rare and potent ability to bowl with both hands, Gimhani has already made waves in international cricket. Having debuted at just 15 years old—setting a record as Sri Lanka’s youngest international player—she brings a level of versatility and mystery that could prove vital on English pitches. With seven T20 international appearances already under her belt, Gimhani is poised to showcase her unique skill set on the global stage.

Squad Composition and Strategic Changes

The selection committee has opted for a mix of established performers and emerging prospects. Alongside Gimhani, batter Vishmi Gunaratne and seamer Kawya Kavindi have earned their spots in the final 15. The squad announcement also marks a period of transition, as players such as Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga, and Inoka Ranaweera have been omitted from the side that previously faced Bangladesh earlier this month. This shift indicates a tactical move by the management to solidify the core lineup ahead of a challenging tournament schedule.

The Journey Through Group 2

Sri Lanka has been drawn into a highly competitive Group 2. The road to the semi-finals will be arduous, as they navigate fixtures against England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland, and Scotland. The team is scheduled to depart for England on June 3 to finalize their preparations.

READ: Thailand, Malaysia and China qualify for Asian Games women's competition with Strong Performances

Match Schedule Overview:

June 12: vs England at Edgbaston
June 16: vs New Zealand at Southampton
June 21: vs West Indies at Bristol
June 23: vs Ireland at Bristol
June 26: vs Scotland at Manchester

The tournament format is unforgiving, with only the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals. These knock-out matches are slated for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval, with the ultimate goal being the final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.

Full Squad List

The following players have been entrusted to represent Sri Lanka in this prestigious competition:

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain)
Hasini Perera
Vishmi Gunaratne
Harshitha Samarawickrama
Imesha Dulani
Nilakshika Silva
Kavisha Dilhari
Hansima Karunarathne
Kaushini Nuthyangana
Sugandika Dassanayaka
Nimasha Madushani
Shashini Gimhani
Kawya Kavindi
Malki Madara
Mithali Ayodhya

With a combination of captain Athapaththu’s vast experience and the youthful energy of players like Gimhani, Sri Lanka looks ready to make a bold statement in England. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this squad can navigate the challenges of Group 2 and secure a place in the latter stages of the tournament.

Ali Naseer

Ali Naseer is a senior sports correspondent for The News International, known for his authoritative coverage of Pakistan cricket and his razor‑sharp technical analysis. A graduate of the University of Karachi, he began his career documenting club cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Northern Areas, bringing to light the raw fast‑bowling talent that has become Pakistan’s hallmark. Ali’s work now spans global ICC tournaments and every edition of the Pakistan Super League, where he is a familiar face in the press box. He combines an intimate knowledge of the domestic structure with an ability to break down high‑pressure match situations for a national readership. His columns on the art of reverse swing and the history of Pakistani pace bowlers have become essential reading for fans. Twice honoured by the APNS and his own paper, Ali remains dedicated to telling the stories of the players and places that keep Pakistan cricket alive.