Sri Lanka have opted for new faces and fresh ideas in the five-match women’s T20I series in India, starting 21 December in Visakhapatnam. Ambidextrous wrist-spinner Shashini Gimhani, just 17, headlines a touring party that also includes 23-year-old seamer Kawya Kavindi and 19-year-old quick Rashmika Sewwandi.
“We need more depth before the World Cup in England next year,” captain Chamari Athapaththu said in a board release. “These youngsters deserve a proper run.”
Key changes
• Gimhani can turn the ball both ways — left-arm wrist-spin remains her stronger suit — and has already claimed six wickets in five senior T20Is at 5.53 runs an over.
• Kavindi returns after ten outings at this level, while Sewwandi earns a second cap following solid domestic form.
• Veteran wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani (86 T20Is) misses out, along with experienced bowlers Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari and Achini Kulasuriya.
Selector Malinda Warnapura explained the omissions: “Age isn’t a crime, output is. We felt the youngsters were out-bowling the seniors during camps.”
Familiar batting core
The top order remains settled. Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari — all prominent at the recent ODI World Cup — retain their spots. Kaushini Nuthyangana is set to keep wicket in Sanjeewani’s absence.
Inoka Ranaweera, 39, offers left-arm spin and calm authority. All-rounder Malsha Shehani, capable of seam and off-spin, adds flexibility, while 24-year-old seamer Malki Madara is rewarded for tidy ODI spells earlier this year.
Why the shake-up?
Sri Lanka’s attack struggled for penetration in New Zealand last March. Head coach Rumesh Ratnayake noted at the time that “genuine pace and wrist-spin win you T20s.” The panel has evidently acted. Gimhani provides the wrist-spin, Sewwandi the extra pace, and Kavindi a swing option with the new ball.
Tour schedule
After two matches in Visakhapatnam, the series shifts south to Thiruvananthapuram for the final three fixtures. All games begin under lights, giving the newcomers an early taste of Indian evening conditions ahead of the global tournament.
Squad
Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara.
Athapaththu summed up the mood: “We’re not discarding the seniors forever, but the kids have to start sometime. India away is as good a test as any.”
