Sri Lankan cricket erupted in celebration this week as Chamari Athapaththu secured the No. 1 ranking in the ICC’s Women’s ODI batting rankings. This historic feat marks the first time a Sri Lankan woman has reached the top of the ODI batting charts.
Athapaththu’s ascension to the top spot was fueled by her phenomenal knock of 195* against South Africa in the final ODI of their recent series. This unbeaten inning, the third-highest score in women’s ODI history, propelled her past England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt to claim the coveted No. 1 ranking.
The left-handed batter is renowned for her aggressive style of play and her ability to score quickly. Athapaththu is already the most prolific ODI centurion for Sri Lanka, with nine centuries to her name, and her recent exploits have cemented her place as one of the best batters in the world.
“This is a dream come true for me,” Athapaththu said after the rankings update. “I’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and I’m so grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and family.”
Athapaththu’s achievement is a significant moment for Sri Lankan women’s cricket. It serves as a major inspiration for young girls across the country, showcasing the heights that can be achieved with dedication and passion.
The cricketing world can expect to see more fireworks from Athapaththu in the future. With the Women’s Cricket World Cup scheduled for next year, she will be a key player for Sri Lanka as they look to make a strong impression on the global stage.
