Sri Lanka Playing XI Vs England Announced Hours Before Women's T20 World Cup Opener

Sri Lanka Women's team. Image Credits- AFPSri Lanka Women have announced their Playing XI for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener against England Women, hours before the start of play. The much awaited clash will be played at the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, on Friday.The Sri Lanka team will begin the tournament on a positive note, as they defeated the debutants Netherlands and Pakistan in the warm-up fixtures. Placed in the Group B in the Women's T20 World Cup, they will first take on the hosts England, before taking on New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland Women and Scotland Women. Moreover, they are coming on the back of a 3-0 T20I series win against Bangladesh Women. Sri Lanka name a balance unitChamari Athapaththu will lead the Asian Giants, with the major responsibility on her shoulders. Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama are the two mainstays present in the batting line-up. Meanwhile, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya will take over the English batters in the T20 World Cup opener.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Tipped To Shatter Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli's Legacy On 1 ConditionKavisha Dilhari and Hansima Karunaratne will provide the balance to the Asian team, making them a team full of youth and experience. Although Chethana Vimukthi has not been included in the SL Playing XI vs England Women, she snapped four wickets against Pakistan Women. Apart from her, skipper Athapaththu (94 off 58 vs PAK) and Karunaratne (54* in 42 b vs NED) were the top performers in the warm-up games.What's Sri Lanka's chances in T20 WC 2026?Sri Lanka have met England three times in T20 World Cups and have never beaten the European side. However, they have beaten England twice in overall T20Is. The English side has a massive lead of 12-2 in head-to-head T20I records between the two sides. Having said that, this will be their best opportunity for Sri Lanka to bank their ninth victory in the history of the tournament. Considered the dark horse in the T20 World Cup, if they somehow defeat two teams out of England, White Ferns and the Windies, they might be able to proceed forward to their first-ever semifinal of an ICC event. Sri Lanka Playing XI vs EnglandVishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya. Sri Lanka Women Squad for T20 World Cup 2026Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi. Sri Lanka's fixtures at Women's T20WC 2026Against England, June 12, Edgbaston, BirminghamAgainst New Zealand, June 16, Hampshire Bowl, SouthamptonAgainst West Indies, June 21, Bristol County Ground, BristolAgainst Ireland, June 23, Bristol County Ground, BristolAgainst Scotland, June 26, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, ManchesterAlso Read: West Indies Issue Chinelle Henry Injury Update Ahead Of T20 World Cup Match Vs NZ