Samarawickrama to captain Sri Lanka at Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, Dilhari named deputy

Harshitha Samarawickrama has been appointed captain of Sri Lanka's 14-member squad for the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, with Kavisha Dilhari named as her vice-captain. The tournament runs from November 12 to 25 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka open their campaign against Ireland at the Ajman Cricket Ground on November 12.

Sri Lanka have been placed in a group alongside Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland and the UAE. Chamari Athapaththu is among the senior players sitting out the tournament, as are Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nimasha Meepage, Kawya Kavindi and Mithali Ayodhya, all of whom are absent from this particular squad.

The 14-member group includes several players who have featured in Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket. Sanjana Kavindi, who is 17 years old, has recorded three fifty-plus scores in her last four T20 innings at that level, while Chamudi Praboda is another 17-year-old included in the squad. Imesha Dulani and Vishmi Gunarathne are also part of the group.

What does the age profile of this squad look like?

The squad carries a notably young average age of 21. Hasini Perera, at 31, and Nilakshika Silva, at 35, are among the more experienced members, while Sugandika Kumari, at 37, is the oldest player in the group. The presence of teenagers such as Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda alongside players in their thirties gives the side a broad generational spread.

Kaushini Nuthyangana is also included in the squad, adding further depth to the batting options available to Samarawickrama as captain.

How is the bowling unit of this Sri Lanka squad composed?

The bowling department covers multiple disciplines. Dilhari contributes off-breaks alongside her batting, while Praboda and Kumari offer spin options. Nilakshika Silva is capable of bowling medium pace, giving the side variety in that department as well.

The seam bowling unit comprises three players: Rashmika Sewwandi, Chethana Vimukthi and Malki Madara. Sathya Sandeepani is also part of the squad and adds to the all-round bowling resources available.

Sri Lanka squad for Emerging Nations Trophy

Harshitha Samarawickrama (capt), Kavisha Dilhari (vice-capt), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Malki Madara, Chethana Vimukthi