Sri Lanka Announces Young Squad for Women's Emerging Nations Trophy
Sri Lanka's Squad for the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy
Colombo, Sri Lanka - November 4: Chamari Athapaththu, the experienced all-rounder, has been omitted from the 14-member squad representing Sri Lanka in the upcoming Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, set to take place in the UAE from November 12 to 25. Harshitha Samarawickrama has been appointed as the captain, with Kavisha Dilhari serving as her deputy.
Athapaththu's exclusion signals a potential shift in leadership as Sri Lanka looks to the future of its women's cricket team, having been a pivotal player in the setup, as reported by Cricinfo.
In addition to Athapaththu, several other players including Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nimasha Meepage, Kawya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodhya have also been left out of the squad for the Asian Games. New faces such as Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, and Chethana Vimukthi have been included in the team.
The squad showcases a youthful roster, averaging around 21 years of age. Only Nilakshika Silva (37), Sugandika Kumari (35), and Hasini Perera (31) are above 30, while the rest are under that age.
Despite the absence of Athapaththu, Sri Lanka maintains a robust batting lineup led by Samarawickrama. The team features promising talents like 17-year-olds Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda, with Kavindi entering the tournament after impressive performances, scoring over 50 in three of her last four T20 innings for Sri Lanka Under-19.
Other batting options include Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunarathne, Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, and Sandeepani.
On the bowling front, Sri Lanka has selected three specialist seamers: Madara, Vimukthi, and Sewwandi, while Sandeepani and Nilakshika can also provide medium pace support.
For spin options, Sugandika Kumari and Chamudi Praboda will be key, with Dilhari adding depth with her off-spin capabilities.
Under the leadership of Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka aims to make a significant impact in the tournament with this relatively young squad.
Sri Lanka's squad for the Emerging Nations Trophy includes: Harshitha Samarawickrama (captain), Kavisha Dilhari (vice-captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Malki Madara, and Chethana Vimukthi.