With the knockouts upon us at the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, the first semi-final between India A and Sri Lanka A promises a riveting contest of youthful exuberance and emerging talent. While India A have been consistent performers in their group, Sri Lanka A’s path to the semis has been defined by grit and crucial breakthroughs. As we look ahead to this do-or-die clash, three rising stars, Anushka Sanjeevani, Sanjana Kavindi, and Shayani Shashikala, stand out as players capable of shaping the game’s narrative.
Anushka Sanjeevani
At the heart of Sri Lanka A’s lineup sits Anushka Sanjeevani, the seasoned right-handed wicketkeeper-batter whose calm head belies the pressure of big occasions. A veteran presence in the setup, Sanjeevani has represented the Sri Lanka senior side since her international debut in both ODIs and T20Is back in 2014, bringing valuable experience to this ‘A’ team. Known for her tidy glovework and ability to anchor innings, she provides stability to a young batting unit and has been pivotal in guiding the team’s middle order. In the group stage of this Rising Stars tournament, Sanjeevani contributed a fluent 39 off 31 balls as Sri Lanka A posted a commanding total against Malaysia Women, helping lay the foundation for a dominant 106-run win.
Sanjana Kavindi
One of the most exciting prospects in this Sri Lankan setup is the young left-hander, Sanjana Kavindi. At just 17, Kavindi exemplifies the youthful promise that the Rising Stars tournament aims to spotlight. A dynamic batter who brings aggression and intent to the middle order, Sanjana boasts a mature shot selection that sets her apart from many peers. Although her international experience may be limited to youth and ‘A’ level cricket, she showed her potential during Sri Lanka A’s recent matches. In the win over Thailand Women, Kavindi made a brisk 13 off 11 deliveries, featuring in partnerships that helped stabilize the innings before Sri Lanka ran out comfortable winners by 23 runs.
Shayani Shashikala
Completing our trio of Sri Lankan prospects is Shayani Shashikala, an all-rounder whose contributions may not always headline scorecards, but whose impact resonates in crucial moments. While the statistical record from the Rising Stars event might not yet be headline-grabbing, she added useful lower-order runs such as a quick 10 off 13 balls against Thailand Women, the value she brings with both bat and ball, as well as her fielding energy, often tips the balance in tight contests. Against India A’s varied bowling and batting threats, Shashikala’s versatility becomes especially pivotal. Expect her to be a key figure in the field and a potential x-factor with the bat when the team needs momentum.
Heading into this semi-final, Sri Lanka A isn’t short of stories, from the seasoned leadership of Sanjeevani to the youthful fearlessness of Kavindi and the all-around utility of Shashikala. While India A will rightly enter as favourites based on group-stage consistency and depth, the contest at Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok isn’t likely to be straightforward. Whether it’s with a composed half-century, an aggressive cameo, or a game-turning moment in the field, moments from Sanjeevani, Kavindi, and Shashikala could very well decide who strides into the final.
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