Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka for Women's Asia Cup with Mixed Talents

Star all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu will lead a Sri Lankan side featuring a fine blend of youth and experience for the Women's Asia Cup, set to begin on July 19 in Sri Lanka. The squad includes seasoned players like pacers Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani, who have returned after being rested during the series against the West Indies in June.

The 15-member squad also showcases younger and fresher talent, such as Rashmika Sewwandi and Imesha Dulani, with the latter yet to make her debut. However, veteran spinner Oshadi Ranasinghe and wicketkeeper-batter Kaushini Nuthyangana have not been included, according to ESPNCricinfo. Sri Lanka Cricket's press release stated that the squad was approved by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando.

The 15-match tournament will feature full-member teams from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with Malaysia, the UAE, Thailand, and Nepal also joining. Pakistan and India are in Group A with Nepal and the UAE, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia are in Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on July 26, with the final scheduled for July 28 in Dambulla.

Full squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)