Sri Lanka have been forced into a late squad change ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup after spinner Shashini Gimhani was ruled out of the tournament with a lower-back injury sustained during training.

 

The setback ends the ambidextrous wristspinner's hopes of making her first appearance at a Women's T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka have named right-arm seamer Chethana Vimukthi as her replacement in the 15-member squad that has already departed for the United Kingdom.

 

Gimhani's withdrawal comes shortly before Sri Lanka begin their campaign in the global event. The team left for the UK on June 2 and will be led by experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu, who is set to play in her tenth Women's T20 World Cup.

 

Vim ukthi Earns Opportunity

 

Vimukthi enters the squad despite having no T20 International appearances to her name. The fast bowler has represented Sri Lanka in three One-Day Internationals, all of which came against New Zealand in March 2025.

 

Earlier this year, she was also involved in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament and featured in one T20 match for Sri Lanka A during the competition. Her inclusion provides Sri Lanka with an additional pace-bowling option as the side adjusts its balance following Gimhani's absence.

 

The selection marks another step in Vimukthi's international career after gaining exposure through both senior and development-level cricket over the past year.

 

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Challenging Group Awaits Sri Lanka

 

Sri Lanka head into the tournament aiming for a stronger showing than their previous campaign. In the 2024 edition, they finished ninth after losing all four of their matches.

 

Placed in Group 2, Sri Lanka will face England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland and Scotland. Their tournament begins against hosts England at Edgbaston on June 12.

 

The side will then take on New Zealand in Southampton on June 16 before meeting West Indies in Bristol on June 21. Sri Lanka remain in Bristol to face Ireland on June 23 and conclude their group-stage schedule against Scotland in Manchester on June 26.

 

Sri Lanka's updated T20 World Cup squad

 

Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi.