Ambidextrous spinner Shashini Gimhani in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad – Shashini Gimhani Named in Sri Lanka Women’s T20 World Cup Squad

A New Generation Meets Experience

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially confirmed its 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in England starting June 12. The selection highlights a strategic blend of seasoned international talent and emerging prospects, most notably the inclusion of 17-year-old ambidextrous wristspinner Shashini Gimhani.

The Rise of Shashini Gimhani

Gimhani has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects in international cricket. Making her debut at the age of 15—which set the record as Sri Lanka’s youngest international player—she has already accumulated experience across seven T20 internationals. Her rare ability to bowl with both arms offers a tactical advantage that could prove vital on the varied pitches of England. Alongside Gimhani, the squad features batter Vishmi Gunaratne and seamer Kawya Kavindi, both of whom have been rewarded for their recent development with spots in the tournament lineup.

Leading the Charge

At the heart of the team is captain Chamari Athapaththu, a cornerstone of the national side who is set to participate in her tenth T20 World Cup. Her leadership and batting prowess will be the primary engine driving Sri Lanka’s campaign. While the selectors have opted for fresh talent, the decision also meant omitting players who were part of the recent series against Bangladesh, including Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga, and veteran Inoka Ranaweera.

Tournament Outlook and Group Challenges

The squad is scheduled to depart for England on June 3 to finalize preparations. Sri Lanka has been drawn into a competitive Group 2, which includes tournament hosts England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland, and Scotland. The pressure will be immediate, as Sri Lanka faces England in the tournament opener at Edgbaston on June 12.

Following the opener, the team’s schedule remains rigorous:

• June 16: vs. New Zealand (Southampton)
• June 21: vs. West Indies (Bristol)
• June 23: vs. Ireland (Bristol)
• June 26: vs. Scotland (Manchester)

With only the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals, consistency will be the key to success. The semi-finals are slated for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval, with the ultimate final taking place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.

Full Squad Selection

The final 15-player list reflects the selectors’ focus on versatility and potential for impact in changing conditions:

• Chamari Athapaththu (Captain)
• Hasini Perera
• Vishmi Gunaratne
• Harshitha Samarawickrama
• Imesha Dulani
• Nilakshika Silva
• Kavisha Dilhari
• Hansima Karunarathne
• Kaushini Nuthyangana
• Sugandika Dassanayaka
• Nimasha Madushani
• Shashini Gimhani
• Kawya Kavindi
• Malki Madara
• Mithali Ayodhya

As the team prepares for the opening match, cricket fans in Sri Lanka will be watching closely to see if this blend of youth and experience can make a deep run in the tournament. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for the younger players to gain exposure on the global stage, while Athapaththu aims to leave a lasting mark on her tenth World Cup appearance.