Sri Lanka’s cricket sensation, Chamari Athapaththu, has been honored with the prestigious title of ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for the outstanding performances she delivered throughout 2023.
Athapaththu’s incredible achievements with the bat and exemplary leadership skills as captain were pivotal in Sri Lanka’s success in the ODI format. The top-order batter’s stellar year included notable contributions in both individual and team performances.
In the eight ODIs played during the year, Athapaththu showcased her batting prowess, accumulating 415 runs and claiming 1 wicket. Her remarkable journey began as the skipper with a rain-truncated series win over Bangladesh, where she played a crucial role in the decisive clash. Scoring a quick 64 off 60 balls and dismissing the opposition’s top-scorer, she led Sri Lanka to victory.
The pinnacle of Athapaththu’s year came against New Zealand, where Sri Lanka secured their historic first-ever bilateral series win (2-1) over the White Ferns. The captain’s fiery centuries of 108* and 140* in pressure situations were instrumental in guiding her team to triumph.
Despite a challenging series against England, where Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 defeat, Athapaththu’s leadership and contributions remained crucial. Her memorable performance in the series decider against New Zealand, scoring an unbeaten 140, showcased her ability to thrive under pressure.
In a remarkable turnaround, Sri Lanka, facing a precarious situation at 4/2, chased down a target of 196 in 29 overs with Athapaththu’s aggressive approach leading the charge. Partnering with Nilakshika Silva, she achieved the fourth-fastest century in Women’s ODI history, helping Sri Lanka secure victory with eight wickets and 13 balls to spare.
Chamari Athapaththu’s incredible achievements have rightfully earned her the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year accolade, marking her as a standout performer on the international stage. Cricket fans worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing more of Athapaththu’s brilliance in the upcoming cricketing events.