Sri Lanka leave out Ranaweera, recall Vishmi for Women's T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka have left out veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera (40) from the 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, announced on Friday. Ranaweera (91 T20Is), along with Rashmika Sewwandi and Dewmi Vihanga who toured Bangladesh in April-May, are the three omissions.

Ranaweera went unused in the T20Is against Bangladesh but bowled tidy spells in three outings on the West Indies tour in March, taking two wickets in two of those matches.

The selectors have recalled batter Vishmi Gunaratne (20), a promising talent with 54 T20Is under her belt, though she has struggled for form since the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Also added are ambidextrous wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani (17) and seamer Kawya Kavindi (23).

Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya

Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, open their campaign against England in Edgbaston on June 12. They then face New Zealand in Southampton, followed by West Indies and Ireland in Bristol, and conclude the league stage against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 26. The squad departs for England on June 3.