Atapattu Mudiyanselage Chamari Jayangani, known popularly as Chamari Athapaththu, stands as a beacon in Sri Lankan cricket.
Born on February 9, 1990, she has not only excelled in her sport but also leads the Sri Lankan women’s Twenty20 International team as its captain.
Her journey in cricket has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by significant achievements and milestones.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Pioneering Spirit: Chamari Athapaththu is the first Sri Lankan woman to participate in franchise cricket, paving the way for future female cricketers in her country.
- Record-Breaker: She holds the record for the highest WODI score by a Sri Lankan player with her unbeaten 178.
- Captain Extraordinaire: Athapaththu's leadership qualities are exemplified in her role as the captain of the Sri Lankan women's T20 International team.
- Global Impact: Her international presence is marked by her participation in leagues like the WBBL, Kia Super League, and the Women's Caribbean Premier League.
- Accolades and Honors: Chamari has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including being named the Women's Cricketer of the Year and receiving the ICC Women's Player of the Month award.
- Inspiring Role Model: Her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, especially in Sri Lanka.
- Versatile Performer: Athapaththu is celebrated for both her batting and bowling skills, showcasing all-round capabilities in various international tournaments.
Captain Courageous: Steering Sri Lanka’s Women’s Cricket
Chamari’s leadership qualities shone brightly as she became the tenth captain of the Sri Lankan women’s national cricket team. Her captaincy brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm and skill to the team.
In November 2017, her cricketing prowess was rightfully acknowledged when she was named the Women’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2016–17 season at Sri Lanka Cricket’s annual awards.
Notably, Chamari holds the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan woman to participate in franchise cricket.
This groundbreaking achievement opened new avenues for female cricketers in Sri Lanka, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.
Her success on the international stage has not only uplifted her team but also brought attention to the potential of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
Honoring a Legend: Chamari Bay at Sydney Cricket Ground
In recognition of her contributions to cricket, a monumental announcement was made in November 2023. The Sydney Cricket Ground, a prestigious venue in the world of cricket, decided to honor Chamari’s legacy.
They dedicated a special seating zone to her, aptly naming it the Chamari Bay. This honor underscores her impact on the sport and her status as an icon in women’s cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu: Remarkable Rise in International Cricket
Chamari Athapattu, a trailblazer in women’s cricket, made a stunning impact with her aggressive batting at the top order.
Her quick fifty against England in the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup was a game-changer, leading Sri Lanka to a thrilling one-wicket victory.
Under her captaincy, Sri Lanka triumphed in the T20I series against Pakistan, showcasing her dynamic leadership skills.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Athapattu stands out as the only Sri Lankan woman cricketer to hit an ODI century five times. Her maiden ODI century, scored against Ireland in 2011, marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
She holds the record for the most ODI centuries and fifties in Sri Lankan women’s cricket. Her unbeaten 178 is a testament to her extraordinary skill, setting a record for the highest WODI score by a Sri Lankan player.
Bowling Prowess in T20 World Cup
In the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Athapattu showcased her bowling talent. Her 178 not out remains the highest Women’s ODI score batting at number three for Sri Lanka.
As the first Sri Lankan woman to score a century in Women’s Cricket World Cup history, Athapattu’s prowess with the bat is undeniable.
A Leader in Runs and Records
Athapattu’s achievements include becoming the first Sri Lankan batswoman to surpass 1,000 runs in T20Is. She leads as the top runscorer for Sri Lanka in both ODIs and T20Is, a testament to her consistent performance.
Maiden T20I Half Century and Match-Winning Performances
Athapattu’s maiden T20I half century came against South Africa at the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Her all-around performance, breaking partnerships and taking key wickets, earned her the player of the match award. She ended the tournament as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer.
Outstanding Performances in World Cup Tournaments
In the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, Athapattu’s 178 not out against Australia was not just a personal best but also set records in WODI.
She scored the most runs in boundaries in a WODI and exhibited an exceptional percentage of runs in a completed innings.
A Captain’s Tale: Chamari Athapattu’s Leadership
Named captain for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20, Athapattu led with distinction. Her performance was so remarkable that she emerged as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in the tournament.
Athapattu’s fifth ODI century came in a memorable match against Australia in 2019. She followed this up with her first WT20I century, a stunning innings against Australia, scoring 113 runs from 66 balls.
Steering Sri Lanka in the 2020 T20 World Cup
In 2020, Athapattu captained Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her unbeaten 78 in a practice match against England and consistent scoring throughout the tournament highlighted her leadership and skill.
Qualifying Triumphs and Ranking Milestones
Leading Sri Lanka in the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, Athapattu’s performances were instrumental in securing their place in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Her stellar performances in the Commonwealth Games Cricket Qualifier not only won her the player of the series award but also elevated her into the top 10 of the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings.
Historic ODI Achievements and World Records
In 2022, Athapattu continued to break records, scoring her sixth ODI century against Pakistan and becoming the first Sri Lankan batter to score 2,000 runs in WT20I cricket. Her leadership at the 2022 Commonwealth Games further solidified her status as a cricketing icon.
Chamari Athapattu: Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Athapattu’s 6th T20I half century in the 2023 T20 World Cup opener against South Africa was a display of her exceptional talent.
Her unbeaten 108 against New Zealand in the first ODI that year marked her 7th ODI century, showcasing her prowess in chasing down targets.
Continued Excellence and Leadership
In a remarkable third ODI match against New Zealand in 2023, Athapattu scored her 8th ODI century, cementing her place among the world’s cricketing elite.
Her partnership records and match-winning performances earned her both the player of the match and series awards.
Dominance in T20I Format
Athapattu’s 7th and 8th T20I half centuries in 2023, against New Zealand and England respectively, demonstrated her mastery in the T20 format. Her ability to chase down targets and contribute with the ball ensured historic victories for Sri Lanka.
Recognition and Player of the Month Honors
Athapattu’s remarkable performances against England earned her the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2023. This accolade is a testament to her extraordinary abilities and impact on the game of cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu: A Trailblazer in Women’s Cricket
Chamari Athapaththu, a name synonymous with excellence, first dazzled the cricket world in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Joining the Melbourne Renegades, she marked her entry as the first Sri Lankan in the league. Athapaththu’s bat spoke volumes in her 16 matches, amassing 196 runs with a formidable high score of 42.
Not just with the bat, her bowling impressed too, showcasing best figures of 2–6. Transitioning to the Kia Super League in England, Athapaththu shone brightly.
Representing Yorkshire Diamonds and Loughborough Lightning, her performance was nothing short of spectacular. In particular, her 2017 season with Yorkshire was a standout, racking up 135 runs in five matches.
Soaring High: Athapaththu’s Journey Across Leagues
The 2020–21 season witnessed Athapaththu donning Perth Scorchers‘ colors in the WBBL. Her stint, though cut short due to national duties, was part of their triumphant campaign.
Next, in a thrilling move, she joined Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2022 for the inaugural Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
Returning to her roots, Athapaththu rejoined Melbourne Renegades in the 2022–23 WBBL season, filling in for Harmanpreet Kaur.
Her journey continued as Sydney Thunder beckoned in 2023–24. Initially overlooked in the WBBL draft, Athapaththu became a force to reckon with as an overseas replacement.
Athapaththu: The Epitome of All-Round Excellence
Athapaththu’s impact with Sydney Thunder was nothing short of phenomenal. Her blade wielded 511 runs across 13 innings, averaging a stellar 42.58. Her strike rate, nearing 130, was a testament to her aggressive playstyle.
Moreover, she excelled with the ball too, clinching nine wickets at an average of 25.55. Her economical bowling, with a rate of 6.79, added another feather to her cap.
This all-round brilliance earned Chamari Athapaththu the prestigious WBBL 09 player of the tournament award.
Her journey, from a promising player to a dominant all-rounder, is a narrative of resilience, skill, and sheer determination. Chamari Athapaththu continues to inspire and raise the bar in women’s cricket globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Chamari Athapaththu's notable achievements in international women's cricket?
Chamari Athapaththu has made remarkable contributions to women’s cricket. She’s the first Sri Lankan woman to participate in franchise cricket and the only Sri Lankan woman to hit an ODI century five times. Athapaththu is also known for her record-breaking unbeaten 178 in WODI, the highest score by a Sri Lankan player, and for leading as the top runscorer for Sri Lanka in both ODIs and T20Is.
How has Chamari Athapaththu's performance impacted her leadership roles?
Chamari’s dynamic leadership is evident in her role as the captain of the Sri Lankan women’s T20 International team. Under her captaincy, Sri Lanka triumphed in the T20I series against Pakistan. She was also named captain for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20, where she emerged as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer.
What recognition has Chamari Athapaththu received for her cricketing prowess?
Athapaththu’s cricketing excellence has been widely recognized. She was named the Women’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2016–17 season at Sri Lanka Cricket’s annual awards. Additionally, the Sydney Cricket Ground honored her by dedicating a special seating zone named ‘Chamari Bay’. She also received the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2023.
