Photo: Harshitha Samarawickrama (SLC)
Harshitha Samarawickrama to captain Sri Lanka in Emerging Nations Trophy, Kavisha Dilhari named vice-captain
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its 14-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy. Experienced batter Chamari Athapaththu has been rested for the tournament, which will take place in the UAE from November 12 to 25. In her absence, Harshitha Samarawickrama will lead the side, while Kavisha Dilhari has been appointed as the vice-captain. This decision offers a glimpse into what the Sri Lankan team might look like in the future, once Athapaththu eventually retires from international cricket.
A 14-member squad featuring young talent
Apart from Chamari Athapaththu, several players who were part of the squad for the Asian Games—namely Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nimasha Meepage, Kavya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodhya—have not been included this time. They have been replaced by Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, and Chethana Vimukthi.
The most notable feature of this squad is its youth. Aside from 37-year-old Nilakshi de Silva and 35-year-old Sugandika Kumari, Hasini Perera (31) is the only other player in the squad over the age of 30.
The average age of the rest of the squad is just 21, making it one of the youngest teams in this tournament.Team’s Batting and Bowling Line-up
- Batting Unit: Even in the absence of Athapaththu, the batting line-up appears strong under the leadership of Samarawickrama. The squad includes young talents such as Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda. Praboda, in particular, has been in excellent form for the Sri Lanka Under-19 side, scoring three half-centuries in her last four T20 innings. Additionally, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Dilhari, and Hasini Perera will further bolster the batting line-up.
- Bowling Attack: In the bowling department, Sri Lanka has included three fast bowlers—Madara, Vimukthi, and Sewwandi. Furthermore, Sandeepani and Nilakshika are also capable of bowling at a medium pace. The spin department will be spearheaded by Sugandika Kumari and Chamudi Praboda, with valuable support from Dilhari’s off-break bowling.
The full Sri Lanka squad is as follows:
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Captain), Kavisha Dilhari (Vice-Captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Malki Madara, and Chethana Vimukthi.
