Injury Blow for Sri Lanka as Vihanga Ruled Out of Asia Cup 2026

Sri Lanka’s title defence at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup has suffered an early setback, with uncapped allrounder Dewmi Vihanga ruled out of the tournament due to a right-knee injury sustained during a practice game.

Vihanga, who was poised to make her T20I debut in the UAE, did not travel with the squad after the injury was assessed. The Sri Lankan selection panel has named left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage as her replacement.

Meepage brings experience to the side despite her relatively brief international career. The 23-year-old made her T20I debut in December 2025 and has since played nine matches in the format, claiming six wickets at an average of 38.33 and an economy rate of 7.66. She also featured in five ODIs earlier this year, taking five wickets. Her most notable performance came against India in December 2025, when she broke a record 162-run opening stand, finishing with figures of 1 for 12 in her four overs.

The rest of the 15-member squad remains unchanged, with captain Chamari Athapaththu leading the side and Harshitha Samarawickrama serving as her deputy. Kaushini Nuthyangana is the sole wicketkeeper in the group.

Sri Lanka, the defending champions after defeating India in the 2024 final in Dambulla, have been drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia and the UAE. They open their campaign against the hosts on August 29.

                                               

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