Inoka Ranaweera recalled as Sri Lanka name Women's T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Sri Lanka, on Friday (September 20), announced their 15-member squad ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 which is set to take place in the UAE in October. Chamari Athapaththu will continue to lead the Asian champions. 

The biggest addition to the squad is veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera. Other than the 38-year-old, the Sri Lankan squad is largely similar to the one they fielded in the recently concluded Women's Asia Cup 2024, which they won on home soil. Ranaweera has featured in 82 T20Is and has 91 wickets to her name, and she last played for Sri Lanka in the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024. Seam bowler Kawya Kavindi has made way for Ranaweera as the team will be counting on their spin attack in the ninth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup. 

Sri Lanka have enjoyed success in the last 18 months, with their run beginning with away series wins in England and South Africa. 18-year-old opening batter Vishmi Gunaratne impressed in the South Africa tour, and the selectors have kept their faith in her. 

Middle order batter Kavisha Dilhari also makes it to the squad along with 26-year-old Harshitha Samarawickrama who was awarded the Player of the Match in the finals of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 against India. 

Sri Lanka have been placed in Group A alongside India, Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand. They will begin their campaign against Pakistan on October 3. 

Sri Lanka squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Probodhani, Inoshi Fernando, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika Kumari

Travelling reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana