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

A New Generation Meets Experience

Sri Lanka has officially named its 15-member squad for the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence in England on June 12. The selection reflects a balanced blend of seasoned leadership and youthful talent, aimed at navigating a challenging group stage. Among the most notable inclusions is 17-year-old ambidextrous wristspinner Shashini Gimhani, whose unique skill set and rapid rise through the ranks have made her one of the most exciting prospects in international cricket.

Gimhani’s selection is a testament to her maturity; having made her international debut at just 15, she holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s youngest international cricketer. With seven T20 internationals already under her belt, she provides a versatile bowling option that could prove vital on English pitches.

Captaincy and Team Composition

Leading the charge is the incomparable Chamari Athapaththu, who continues to be the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket. This tournament marks a historic milestone for the captain, as she prepares to represent her nation in her tenth T20 World Cup. Her experience will be crucial in mentoring newer faces such as batter Vishmi Gunaratne and seamer Kawya Kavindi, both of whom have earned their spots in the final squad.

The selection process saw some difficult decisions, with players such as Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga, and Inoka Ranaweera—all of whom featured in the recent series against Bangladesh—left out of the final touring party. These omissions underscore the competitive nature of the current squad as the selectors aim to finalize their best possible XI for the conditions expected in England.

The Road to the World Cup

The Sri Lankan squad is scheduled to depart for England on June 3, allowing them sufficient time to acclimate to the local conditions. Sri Lanka has been drawn into Group 2, a challenging pool that includes hosts England, New Zealand, the West Indies, Ireland, and Scotland.

The opening fixture is arguably the biggest test of the group stage: a high-stakes match against England at Edgbaston on June 12. Following this, the team will travel across the country to face New Zealand in Southampton on June 16, followed by clashes against the West Indies (June 21) and Ireland (June 23) in Bristol, before closing out their group campaign against Scotland in Manchester on June 26.

Tournament Structure and Ambitions

The top two teams from both Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the knockout stages. The semi-finals are slated to be held at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, with the ultimate prize—the tournament final—set for July 5 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. For Sri Lanka, reaching the semi-finals would be a significant achievement, and the team will be relying on the tactical acumen of Athapaththu and the unpredictable brilliance of their bowling attack, spearheaded by Gimhani, to cause upsets.

The Full Squad

The complete 15-player lineup representing Sri Lanka is as follows:

• 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

As the countdown to June 12 begins, all eyes will be on how the younger players integrate into the setup under the immense pressure of a World Cup. With the blend of youthful energy and the seasoned expertise of the leadership group, Sri Lanka remains an intriguing side to watch in the coming weeks.