Chamari Athapaththu (Source: @NewsCurrySL/x.com)
In recent times, women's cricket is spreading the same thrills as men's, but it was not a cake walk at the beginning. Back in the 1990s, Sri Lanka's women were just finding their feet on the international stage, while male legends like Sanath Jayasuriya and Arjuna Ranatunga dominated the cricketing world.
Far behind the other cricket-playing nations, Sri Lanka Women made their first mark in the international cricket arena in 1997. Though they arrived on the scene later, time never held them back. Leading the charge is star all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, the torchbearer of a remarkable transformation that has redefined Sri Lankan women's cricket.
From being an underdog in women's cricket to one of the formidable forces, they changed their position. At the heart of this transformation is Chamari Athapaththu, whose leadership, skill, and cricketing acumen have been pivotal in guiding the team to new heights.
The Year 1997 Ushered In A New Era In Sri Lankan Cricket
In cricket, Sri Lanka is synonymous with a team of match-winners. While the men's side ruled the world, the women were still seeking their first breakthrough. With relentless struggle and immense grit, 1997 marked a new chapter in Sri Lankan cricket.
In that year, Sri Lankan Women’s side made their international debut as they faced the Netherlands in an ODI series. In the same year, they earned another milestone by participating in the 1997 Women's World Cup. Since then, they have become a recognised and respected name in the tournament.
In 1998, they played their only Test match against Pakistan. In 1999, Sri Lankan women defeated the Netherlands by a 5-0 margin in an ODI series. Despite these early successes, the team still lacked a guiding force, someone whose leadership could transform their journey and bring their dreams within reach.
While Dilshan’s Glory Soared, Athapaththu Changed The Game
As in the 2000s, the cricket world witnessed an ace Sri Lankan all-rounder, Tilakaratne Dilshan, but in a similar time frame, Sri Lanka produced another iconic all-rounder, whose rise was quiet but loud enough to change the face of Sri Lanka's Women's cricket. That game-changing all-rounder is none other than Chamari Athapaththu, whose bat, ball, and brilliance reshaped Sri Lanka's women's cricket story.
In Sri Lanka's first step into the T20 World Cup 2009, Athapaththu made her debut on the grand stage as a 19-year-old youngster. Against India Women, she scored just 16 runs, but little did the world know that this youngster was destined to become the shining face of women's cricket.
As questions were raised after her average outing, she shut the critics in 2011 when she dazzled the stage with a game-changing knock. From a promising youngster, she grew into an undisputed icon, proving that her sparkle was only just beginning.
Captaincy Brings Big Challenges, Athapaththu Meets Them With Brave Heart
As the Sri Lankan side was just shedding its wings, it faced another massive blow administratively. During this turbulent period, Shashikala Siriwardene stepped down as captain, and the mantle fell on Chamari Athapaththu. The challenge was enormous, but Athapaththu's courage proved even greater, as she rose to lead the team through one of its darkest chapters.
Crossing the challenging time, she took the reins of the T20Is in 2018 and 2019 ODIs, and a new age started in Sri Lankan cricket. Under her leadership, the team soared to new heights, claiming their first T20I series wins against South Africa and England.
Adding to her achievements, she led the side into four editions of the T20 World Cup. Yet, the crowning glory came in the 2024 Asia Cup, where her leadership guided the team to lift the trophy with a flawless five-match unbeaten streak, etching a historic milestone for Sri Lankan women's cricket.
Where Big Hits Meet Brilliant Field Tactics, Athapaththu Rules
In the cricket world, there is a saying about captaincy that puts pressure on batting, but Chamari Athapaththu shattered the myths that can be broken. Leading Sri Lanka toward its dreams, she raised her bat high in every situation. Her unbeaten 195 against South Africa Women remains the highest individual ODI score by a Sri Lankan woman, cementing her place in history.
Along with that, she became the first Sri Lankan woman to score an international century in 2011. Over 115 ODIs, she amassed 3,877 runs, including nine centuries and 19 fifties. In 146 T20Is, she added 3,458 runs with three centuries and 13 fifties, underlining her status as one of Sri Lanka's greatest assets.
With an attacking mindset and power-hitting abilities, she is a massive strength in their top order. Delivering countless match-winning performances, she also boasts the highest ODI batting average in the history of Sri Lankan women's cricket, cementing her dominance at the crease.
A Captain In Need, A Captain Indeed
A captain is not just a figure who guides the team; a captain is a figure who stays with the team through thick and thin. Sri Lanka Women's skipper Chamari Athapaththu embodies this perfectly, steering her side from the darkest moments to the brightest glory on the field.
With her strategic acumen, work ethic, and ability to work harder, she is an exceptional leader. Under her captaincy, Sri Lanka Women have risen to become a major force in world cricket, with her explosive batting and knack for picking crucial wickets turning the team into genuine World Cup contenders.
In a country where women's cricket first took flight in 1997, Sri Lanka has grown into a formidable force in less than three decades. As the 2025 Women's World Cup arrives, hosted for the first time by Sri Lanka alongside India, the nation's 11 warriors are ready to make their mark and chase a memorable campaign.
