Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranweera , 38, has been entitled in Sri Lanka’s womens T20 World Cup 2024 squad, with 21-year-old seamer Kawya Kavindi making way. Ranaweera had been left out of the squad for the women’s Asia Cup, which Sri Lanka gained, in July. She had also been omitted from Sri Lanka’s squads to Ireland, more recently.
But with the T20 World Cup likely to be played on pitches that favour spin in the UAE, the experienced Ranaweera has been recalled. Although her bowling has not been especially infiltratory in the shortest format this year, she does have 91 T20I wickets from 82 appearances for Sri Lanka, with an economy rate of 5.86.
Kavindi’s oversight, however, means Sri Lanka have just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana.
Their spin cupboard is filled. Ranaweera joins Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sugandika Kumari, and Kavisha Dilhari, who may all play a role throughout the campaign. There is also always the offspin of Captain Chamari Athapaththu.
On the batting front, a Sri Lanka squad has never looked stronger. In addition to their talisman Athapaththu, the likes of Harshitha Samarawickrama, and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been among the runs in the last few months. Their victory in the Asia Cup will give them confidence that they can push for a place in the final four of the T20 World Cup.
The World Cup is planned to begin on October 3. Sri Lanka is in Group A for the first round, alongside Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
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