Sri Lanka Captain Chamari Athapaththu to Miss T20I Series Against Ireland

Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu will miss the T20I series in Ireland due to her commitment to the Women's Hundred with Oval Invincibles. Young talents like Vishmi Gunaratne and Kaushini Nuthyangana will have the opportunity to step up in her absence.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu will be unavailable for the upcoming T20I series in Ireland due to her commitments with the Oval Invincibles in the Women's Hundred, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Athapaththu is set to compete in all group stages for the Invincibles, with the final match scheduled for August 14. The T20I matches against Ireland are slated for August 11 and 13. Athapaththu will rejoin the Sri Lankan team for the ODI series, part of the 2022-2025 ICC Women's Championship cycle, beginning on August 16.

Athapaththu recently shone as the Player of the Tournament in the Women's Asia Cup 2024, amassing 304 runs in five matches at an average of 101.33. Her absence provides a platform for younger players to make their mark internationally.

Young wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana has been drafted into the 16-player squad, awaiting her ODI debut and serving as backup for regular wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani. Additionally, 18-year-old batter Vishmi Gunaratne, who ranks as the fifth-highest run-scorer in women's T20Is for 2024 with 416 runs in 17 matches, is expected to fill Athapaththu’s shoes.

Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari emerges as another key player to watch. Impressively, she scored an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls against India last week. The rest of the Sri Lanka squad comprises a mix of bowlers, including four frontline spinners and three seamers, providing ample bowling options.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the Ireland tour includes: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), 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, and Kaushini Nuthyangana.