In a bold step toward nurturing its next generation of women’s cricket stars, Sri Lanka A has announced a dynamic 15-member squad for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, to be hosted by Thailand from February 13 to 22.
Led by skipper Anushka Sanjeevani, the team blends seasoned international campaigners with emerging talents, positioning them as serious contenders in this prestigious T20 tournament organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Formerly the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, the competition, launched in 2023 to spotlight Asia’s brightest young female cricketers from full-member and associate nations, kicked off with Hong Kong as host. India, under Shweta Sehrawat’s captaincy, claimed inaugural honours that year, edging Bangladesh by 31 runs in the final.
The 2026 edition ramps up with eight teams: Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, the UAE, A squads from four ODI-status nations India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan and the top four associates, promising fierce battles on Thai pitches.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ Squad:
Anushka Sanjeevani (C), Sachini Nisansala, Malsha Shehani, Ishani Hansima, Rashmi Silva, Sanjana De Silva, Nethmi Senarathna, Ama Kanchana, Vitini Chandima, Chethana Vimukthi, Mithali Bandara, Sathya Sandeepani, Shashini Wijayarathna, Shayani Shashikala, Yasanthi Herath
What sets this group apart is its international pedigree; seven players boast senior Sri Lanka caps: Anushka Sanjeevani, Sachini Nisansala, Malsha Shehani, Rashmi Silva, Ama Kanchana, Chethana Vimukthi, and Sathya Sandeepani. Sanjeevani, a reliable wicketkeeper-batter, brings tactical nous from her senior outings, while all-rounders, pacers, and spinners add balance. This mix of experience and youth could prove decisive against rivals hungry to topple past champions.
Sri Lanka A’s campaign offers a platform for breakthroughs, especially with Thailand’s compact grounds favouring aggressive T20 strokeplay. Fans can expect Sanjeevani’s side to channel Sri Lanka’s rich women’s cricket legacy, think Chamari Athapaththu’s flair, into rising-star dominance. As the ACC continues fostering Asia’s talent pipeline, this squad signals Sri Lanka’s intent to climb the emerging ladder.
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