New captain to lead Sri Lanka in Emerging Nations Trophy

Sri Lanka have named a 14-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy to be held in the UAE.

In the absence of full-time captain Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama takes over as the skipper.

Sri Lanka squad: Harshitha Samarawickrama (c), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Malki Madara, Chethana Vimukthi

There are two notable returns to the side, with Vishmi Gunarathne and Nilakshika Silva back in the squad after missing out in the Asian Games. Fast bowler Malki Madara has also earned a place, having been absent from both the Asia Cup and Asian Games squads.

Sathya Sandeepani is another name in, having earned a call-up for the shortest format after six years. She has played one previous T20I appearance for Sri Lanka, against India in February 2020.

Sri Lanka are among the five full Members – other than Ireland, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe – who are participating in the tournament's new format, which includes 10 teams as opposed to five in the previous edition.

Other teams competing for the title will be the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, the hosts, United Arab Emirates and the reigning champions, Thailand.

Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and hosts UAE, while Group B features Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Netherlands and Zimbabwe.

All matches will be played in Ajman, with fixtures split between the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground and the Seven Districts Sports Club.

Sri Lanka's group stage fixtures

vs Ireland - November 12, Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, Ajman

vs Scotland - November 13, Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, Ajman

vs PNG - November 15, Seven Districts Sports Club, Ajman

vs UAE - November 16, Seven Districts Sports Club, Ajman