Nilakshika Silva out of Asian Games with finger injury after Asia Cup final

Experienced Sri Lanka middle-order batter Nilakshika Silva (Nilakshi de Silva) has been ruled out of the 2026 Asian Games after sustaining a hand fracture.

The Injury: Silva suffered a broken finger/hand fracture during Sri Lanka's Women's Asia Cup campaign. Despite playing through the injury during the Asia Cup final against India, medical evaluations confirmed a fracture that requires recovery time.  

Replacements & Squad Changes:

Anushka Sanjeewani has been drafted into the 15-player squad to replace Silva and maintain experience in the batting unit. Hansima Karunaratne was also called up as a late replacement for top-order batter Vishmi Gunaratne, who sustained a knee injury during the Asia Cup final.  

Campaign Outlook: Led by Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka enter the Asian Games directly in the quarter-final stage as a seeded team, opening their medal campaign against Malaysia on September 18.

Sri Lanka squad for 2026 Asian Games

Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Anushka Sanjeewani, Kavisha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Nimasha Meepage, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Rashmika Sewwandi, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi