Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Can new-look Sri Lanka finally break group-stage curse?

Overview

After failing to register a single victory at the last edition, Sri Lanka women will be determined to flip the script in the upcoming edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. The Chamari Athapaththu-led side is heading into the tournament high on confidence, having won their last two series against West Indies and Bangladesh.

While Sri Lanka don’t have a rich history to draw inspiration from in their T20 World Cup journey, they can only go higher from their disappointing outing in the last edition. They’re part of a tough group and will have to be prepared for the challenges shooting their way from the first game itself as they take on England in the curtain raiser of the event.

How have they fared over the years?

Sri Lanka have played in all the nine editions of the T20 World Cup so far but have never progressed ahead of the group stage. Their best performance have come in 2016 and 2023 editions, where they finished with two wins out of four matches in each edition.

Recent Form

Since the last edition of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka have won two out of four series, both being their most recent ones against West Indies and Bangladesh. They also drew 1-1 against New Zealand in March, 2025. In the ongoing cycle, they’ve won six out of 14 matches, while two have been washed out.

Strengths

Sri Lanka have been dependent on a few individuals to carry them in both departments since the last edition. Spinner Kavisha Dilhari has chipped in with wickets more often than not, with 15 scalps to her name from 14 innings. In the batting department, captain Athapaththu will be expected to do the heavy-lifting along with Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani.

Harshitha Samarawickrama is also fresh from a prolific run in the Bangladesh series and will also hold the key in the batting department. The 25-year-old right-arm seamer Malki Madara has also impressed after making her T20I debut against New Zealand in March, 2025 and will enter the event as a bright prospect.

Weaknesses

Sri Lanka’s recent success has come on the slower surfaces in West Indies and Bangladesh. Moreover, they also have limited experience in the SENA countries in the ongoing cycle, having played three matches in New Zealand.

They have also let go of a few experienced campaigners to infuse young talent into their squad. It remains to be seen how they adapt quickly in a big event like the World Cup. The lack of quality pace attack also adds to their woes as Sri Lanka aim to flip the script in the upcoming edition.

Predicted finish

Having struggled to make a mark at the World Cup throughout their history, Sri Lanka are likely to struggle again, placed in a tough group B alongside New Zealand, England and West Indies. It will be a herculean task for them to move ahead into the competition, and they might have to remain content with another group stage finish, with a better showing than the 2024 edition.

Squad

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

Sri Lanka's fixtures at Women's T20 World Cup 2026: