Sri Lanka recall 'Lady Malinga' Mithali Ayodhya for Women's T20 Asia Cup

Sri Lanka recalled 19-year-old right-arm seamer Mithali Ayodhya on August 13, 2026, for the Women's T20 Asia Cup in Dubai. The selection comes as the defending champions prepare for their title defence.

Ayodhya, nicknamed 'Lady Malinga' because of a low, slingy action that evokes Lasith Malinga, was included on the back of her earlier-season form. She was part of Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad this year and claimed four wickets, finishing as the team's second-highest wicket-taker in that tournament. Selectors have added her to provide another pace option for the squad.

Sri Lanka made three changes to the side that faced Pakistan, with Chethana Vimukthi and legspin allrounder Dewmi Vihanga joining Ayodhya in the updated selection. Vihanga earns her maiden T20I call-up after an encouraging domestic season in which she claimed eight wickets in the Women's National Super League. She has already represented Sri Lanka in 12 ODIs. Vimukthi returns after featuring in the ODI squad against Pakistan.

Those changes came at the expense of Malki Madara, Rashmika Sewwandi and left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage, who were omitted from the T20 squad. Chamari Athapaththu will continue as captain, with Harshitha Samarawickrama named vice-captain. The selectors retained several young batters following the Pakistan series.

Teenage batter Sanjana Kavindi kept her place after scoring 66 runs at a strike rate of 157.14 against Pakistan. Imesha Dulani remains a key option after becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century. The balance of the squad mixes experienced players with recent domestic performers.

The 15-player squad named is: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-capt), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya. Sri Lanka have been drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. They enter the tournament as the reigning champions after beating India in the 2024 final in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka begin their title defence against the United Arab Emirates on August 29 in Dubai. That match will be their opening fixture in Group B.