In a thrilling first ODI match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle, history was made as Chamari Athapaththu, the inspirational captain of the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, became the first Sri Lankan player to score 3000 Women’s One Day International (WODI) runs. Athapaththu’s outstanding performance not only led her team to a resounding nine-wicket victory but also etched her name in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket.
Let’s have a look into the details of this remarkable achievement and Athapaththu’s incredible journey: Chamari Athapaththu
A Captivating Chase
- In a rain-curtailed 28-over affair, New Zealand set a target of 171 for victory after opting to bat.
- Sri Lankan openers, Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, displayed excellent batting prowess, putting up a magnificent 159-run partnership for the first wicket.
- The duo’s exceptional performance brought Sri Lanka within touching distance of a comprehensive win.
Athapaththu’s Milestone Moment
- Chamari Athapaththu, known for her outstanding leadership and batting skills, entered the game needing 49 runs to reach the remarkable milestone of 3000 WODI runs.
- In the 13th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Athapaththu achieved this historic feat, becoming the first Sri Lankan player, male or female, to achieve this milestone.
- Her accomplishment was celebrated as she reached her seventh WODI hundred, remaining unbeaten on 108 off just 83 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes.
Career Statistics
- Chamari Athapaththu’s ODI career has been nothing short of exceptional, and her achievement of 3000 runs solidifies her status as a true cricketing legend.
- With 3059 runs in 93 matches, Athapaththu has maintained an impressive average of 33.61 and a strike rate of 71.10.
- In 2023 alone, she has been in sensational form, scoring 219 runs in three ODIs at an astonishing average of 109.50 and a strike rate of 121.66.
Impactful Performance by the White Ferns
- Despite the loss, the New Zealand women’s cricket team displayed commendable effort.
- Several batters got starts but failed to convert them into significant contributions.
- Melie Kerr was the highest run-scorer for New Zealand with 40 runs off 51 balls.
Chamari Athapaththu’s achievement of becoming the first Sri Lankan player to reach 3000 WODI runs is a historic moment for women’s cricket in the nation. Her skill, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental in driving Sri Lanka’s success on the international stage. Athapaththu’s remarkable innings in the first ODI against New Zealand showcased her ability to perform under pressure and dominate the game. As she continues to make strides in her career, cricket fans worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing more extraordinary moments from this talented cricketer.
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