In a landmark moment for emerging White Ferns talent, New Zealand A‘s first-ever women’s tour to Asia kicks off on May 12, 2026, with the 1st 50-over game against Sri Lanka A at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, starting at 10 AM IST.
This three-match One Day series, followed by a three-match T20 showdown from May 12 to 25, thrusts the Kiwis’ next-best cricketers into the cauldron of subcontinent conditions, testing their mettle against spin-friendly pitches and humid heat. Sri Lanka A will be led by skipper Sathya Sandeepani. For New Zealand A, it’s a golden opportunity to blood young guns in Asian climes, blending raw pace with adaptive spin play, while Sri Lanka A aims to defend home turf with familiar Dambulla dust bowls that have humbled many a visiting side.
Squads:
Sri Lanka A Women’s Cricket Team
Sathya Sandeepani (C), Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Vimoksha Balasuriya, Lihini Apsara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmika Sewwandi, Piumi Wathsala, Randi Premarathne, Satheeskumar Sajinthiny, Rashmi Silva, Chamudi Praboda, Tharuka Shehani
New Zealand A Women’s Cricket Team
Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Emma Black, Prue Catton, Marama Downes, Kate Gaging, Fran Jonas, Bella James, Xara Jetly, Kayley Knight, Darcy Prasad, Hannah Rowe, Tash Wakelin, PJ Watkins, Jess Watkin
Players to watch out:
Xara Jetly
Xara Jetly lit up the recent New Zealand women’s One Day competition for Wellington Blaze, finishing as her team’s joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Jess Kerr with 19 scalps at an average of 21.26 and an economy of 4.34 across 11 innings, good enough for joint second in the tournament with Canterbury’s Sarah Asmussen and Kerr, highlighted by a stunning six-wicket haul. The all-rounder’s batting prowess added 223 runs at an average of 27.87 and a strike rate of 54.39 in those same 11 outings, marking her as a genuine match-winner primed for New Zealand A’s subcontinent test.
Bella James
Bella James brought explosive power-hitting flair to Otago Sparks in the recent New Zealand women’s One Day competition, amassing 114 runs at a strike rate of 89.76 and an average of 22.80 across five innings, including a gritty half-century. Her aggressive strokeplay in those five matches underscores her reputation as a big-hitter with game-changing potential, making her a thrilling prospect for New Zealand A’s upcoming Asian challenge.
Limansa Thilakarathna
The 18-year-old all-round prodigy Limansa Thilakarathna dazzled for SLC Reds in Sri Lanka’s latest Women’s National Super League T20 Tournament, scoring 46 runs at a strike rate of 64.78 and an average of 11.50 across five innings and matches. With the ball, she claimed 6 wickets at an average of 15 and an economy of 6.20 in four innings, signaling her explosive potential as a future star for Sri Lanka A.
Vishmi Gunaratne
Sri Lanka’s young sensation Vishmi Gunaratne led SLC Greys to a creditable 3rd place in the recently concluded Women’s National Super League T20 Tournament, guiding them to 5 points from 6 games with two victories, three defeats, and a washout in the four-team fray. She blazed 109 runs at a strike rate of 93.96 and an average of 21.80 across five innings, including a match-defining half-century, despite recently losing her spot in the senior side. With New Zealand A touring, this white-ball series offers Gunaratne a prime platform under skipper Sathya Sandeepani to reignite her international career.
Pitch:
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium offers a balanced yet bowler-friendly dry, slow surface that tilts decisively towards spinners and cutters as the match unfolds, with its high-water table aiding seamers in the morning session before significant turn kicks in later. This low-to-medium scoring venue morphs into a treacherous two-paced track, historically favouring tweakers while rewarding seamers.
Weather:
It is likely to face scattered thunderstorms with a high of 31°C, 60% precipitation risk, 81% humidity, and winds at 11 km/h, conditions that could disrupt the start. The muggy, wet outlook pairs perilously with the slow pitch, potentially favouring teams quick to adapt if rain intervenes.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Bella Armstrong, Vishmi Gunaratne, Bella James, Jess Watkin, Tash Wakelin, Emma Black, Sanjana Kavindi, Xara Jetly, Limansa Thilakarathna, Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga
Match Details:
Date – May 12, 2026
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka
Where to Watch New Zealand Women’s A tour of Sri Lanka 2026:
Local Broadcast Platforms
• SLC YouTube Channel
• Talent TV OTT Platform – www.talenttv.lk
• FTA – TV SUPREME (UHF 21, 26, 49)
• DTH – TV SUPREME (DTV 12 / Freesat 17)
• IPTV – TV SUPREME (PEO TV 13)
• OTT – SandBrix
Global Broadcast Platforms
• India – Fancode
• Rest of the World – Sporty.lk YouTube
(Except SL, India, NZ)
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