The Sri Lankan team will be led by Manudi Nanayakkara from Princess of Wales, Moratuwa, with Rashmika Sewwandi from Anura College, Matara, serving as vice-captain.
The selection has generated significant excitement, particularly for the players representing Devapathiraja College, Rathgama, a school from the Southern region that is quickly gaining recognition as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
Several cricketers from Devapathiraja College have made it to the 15-member squad, including Hiruni Hansika, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Nethranjali, Sashini Gimhani, Sanjana Kavindi and Shehara Induwari. Limansa Thilakaratne, the daughter of former Sri Lankan cricketer T.M. Dilshan, is also included in the squad, along with Vimoksha Balasooriya from Sinhala MV in Trincomalee, Dahami Sanuthma from Anula Vidyalaya in Nugegoda, Asheni Thalagune from Mahamaya Girls College in Kandy, Pramudi Methsara from Uhana Central College in Ampara, Chamodi Praboda from Pagngnananda MV in Moneragala, and Danuli Thennakoon from Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya in Kurunegala. Nethangi Isuranjali will travel as a reserve.
The Sri Lankan team will depart for Malaysia today and will compete in Group A alongside India, West Indies and Malaysia. The tournament will be hosted across four venues in Malaysia: Bayuemas Oval (Selangor), Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (Johor), Borneo Cricket Ground (Sarawak), and UKM YSD Oval (Selangor). Sri Lanka’s group matches will be played in Selangor against West Indies, India, and Malaysia.
Sri Lanka will face defending champions India on the second day of the competition.
The 41-game event will feature 16 teams, like the inaugural edition in 2023, and will conclude with the final on February 2. Originally, Thailand was to co-host the tournament, but their withdrawal has led to Malaysia hosting all the matches.
The tournament will kick-off with six games on opening day, followed by 16 warm-up matches from January 13 to 16.
After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, where they will compete for a spot in the semi-finals.