Sri Lanka endured their worst-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in 2024, losing all their group-stage matches. For the first time in the tournament’s nine editions, they failed to register a single victory. Now, in 2026, in England and Wales, they have an opportunity to redeem themselves and perhaps secure a semi-final spot for the first time in their history.
Recently, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh Women 3-0 in a T20I series in Bangladesh. Before stepping onto the field for their World Cup opener against England on 12 June, they are scheduled to play two warm-up matches against Pakistan and the Netherlands. They are placed in Group 2 alongside England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland.
Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya.
Strength
This squad is a good mix of experienced and young players. Captain Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the key figure because of her all-round brilliance. To support her, experienced players such as Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva will need to contribute consistently.
Alongside this experienced core, a young group comprising Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara and Mithali Ayodhya are set for their maiden T20 World Cup appearances.
Sri Lanka also head into the tournament with confidence and momentum, having won five consecutive matches – two against West Indies and three against Bangladesh. Notably, both series victories came away from home.
Weakness
Sri Lanka have played the second-fewest T20Is among the 12 participating teams since the 2024 T20 World Cup, featuring in only 14 matches, winning six, losing six and recording two no-results. As a result, a lack of regular competitive cricket could prove to be a weakness.
Inconsistency has also been a recurring issue for this side. Although they are entering the tournament on the back of five consecutive wins, their World Cup performance remains uncertain. A similar situation unfolded before the 2024 edition, when they entered the tournament with six wins from seven matches and had even defeated India in the Asia Cup final. However, they then suffered four defeats in four group-stage matches, resulting in their worst-ever T20 World Cup campaign.
Therefore, it remains to be seen which version of Sri Lanka turns up in England and Wales.
Opportunity
The biggest opportunity for Sri Lanka is to finally progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history. They have participated in all nine editions of the tournament but have never managed to clear that hurdle.
This time, they will look to put the disappointment of 2024 behind them and write a new chapter in Sri Lankan women’s cricket.
Among the players, Madara is one to watch. In traditional English conditions, her ability to generate swing could make her a dangerous prospect for opposition batters.
Threat
Facing strong teams such as hosts England, defending champions New Zealand and former champions West Indies will undoubtedly be a major challenge in the group stage.
Another threat could be an over-reliance on Athapaththu. While she remains the team’s biggest match-winner, other players must step up and consistently support their captain. If Sri Lanka are to achieve something special at this World Cup, contributions will need to come from across the squad rather than from Athapaththu alone.
Possible Playing XI: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hasini Perera (wk), Vishmi Gunaratne, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Shashini Gimhani, Malki Madara.
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Also Read: Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies – SWOT Analysis