Sri Lanka announces the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup

This tournament will be the seventh edition of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup and the third edition to be played in the T20 format. Before the Sri Lankan team pad up for the tournament, they have suffered a massive blow. Two experienced players, skipper Chamari Atapattu and Ama Kanchana are ruled out due to dengue. Shashikala Siriwardane, who last captained in 2016, was named the stand-in skipper for the event. Hasini Perera continues to be her deputy.

Sri Lanka name 19-year-old Harshitha Madavi and former ODI skipper Inoka Ranaweera as the two replacements, respectively.

Sri Lanka has made five changes to the squad that played the three-match T20I series against Pakistan at home in March. One of the finest return is Inoshi Priyadharshani; who last played a T20I in 2014. Opener Yasoda Mendis has also found a place alongside allrounder Malsha Shehani, who is uncapped in T20Is.

Surprisingly Dilani Manodara, Sripali Weerakkody and Imalka Mendis miss out. Some key players who will have the added responsibility will be Rebeca Vandort and Nipuni Hansika.

Sri Lanka begin their Asia Cup campaign on Sunday, June 3 against Bangladesh. It will be a tough challenge for Sri Lanka to make it into the finals without their senior players Chamari Atapattu and Ama Kanchana. The team has some promising talents. 

While talking to the press ahead of the tournament, captain Siriwardane said, "It is unfortunate. We will be without Chamari who has been our key playmaker batsman. However, we will strive to compensate for their losses and stage a good fight with quite a balanced and young side. Our strong point is our bowling."

Asia Cup full schedule

Squad:

Shashikala Siriwardena (c), Hasini Perera, Yasoda Mendis, Anushka Sanjeewani, Rebeca Vandort, Nilakshi de Silva, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Nipuni Hansika, Malsha Shehani, Achini Kulasooriya, Harshitha Madavi, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Inoka Ranaweera.