‘Lady Malinga’ Mithali Ayodhya Returns as Sri Lanka Begin Asia Cup Defence

Sri Lanka have recalled 19-year-old pacer Mithali Ayodhya for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, with the defending champions set to begin their title defence in Dubai.

Ayodhya, a right-arm seamer, has earned the nickname ‘Lady Malinga’ for her distinctive low, slingy bowling action, reminiscent of Sri Lankan pace great Lasith Malinga. She was part of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, taking four wickets to finish as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker.

The young quick was dropped for Sri Lanka’s home T20I series against Pakistan last month but has been brought back as the selectors seek additional pace options for the Asia Cup.

Ayodhya is among three changes to the squad that faced Pakistan. Seamer Chethana Vimukthi returns, while leg-spin allrounder Dewmi Vihanga has earned her first T20I call-up following an impressive domestic campaign in which she claimed eight wickets in the Women’s National Super League. Vihanga has also played 12 ODIs for Sri Lanka.

Malki Madara, Rashmika Sewwandi and left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage have been omitted.

Chamari Athapaththu remains captain, with Harshitha Samarawickrama as vice-captain. Teenage batter Sanjana Kavindi has retained her place after scoring 66 runs at a strike rate of 157.14 against Pakistan, while Imesha Dulani remains a major batting option after becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to hit a T20I century.

Sri Lanka are in Group B with Bangladesh, Indonesia and the UAE. They will begin their campaign against the UAE on August 29.

The reigning champions won the 2024 edition after beating India in the final in Dambulla. Ayodhya’s return gives Sri Lanka another pace option as they look to defend their continental title.

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-capt), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya.