We performed really well: Chamari Athapaththu after Sri Lanka's upset win over the hosts
Athapaththu was awarded the Player of the Match [Twitter]
In a topsy-turvy game, Sri Lanka women kept hold of their nerves and secured a 3-run win over hosts South Africa women in the T20 Women's World Cup opener on Friday.
Sri Lankan skipper, Chamari Athapaththu led from the front and scored a brisk 50-ball 68 as a total of 129 proved just a bit too much for the Proteas women to chase.
Prior to the start of the game, South Africa were considered the favourites for this contest, but the Asian team bowled their hearts out and defended a low total that should give them confidence heading into the other matches.
Skipper Athapaththu was delighted after the win and praised her bowlers for the way they defended the total.
"I am very happy and I always try my best and try to lead my team from the front. This is not about an individual performance it all depends on the team's performance and we performed really well today. Yeah, actually she is the U19 Sri Lankan Captain and the upcoming star of the team," skipper said.
She added: "Sri Lanka had a big partnership in the middle and that is a region where we lacked at. I thought 130 was a pretty decent total to chase. One game doesn't define us of course. Lots of positives from today's game for us. We bowled really well in the powerplay and yeah, lots of positives going forward."
Sri Lanka will next play Bangladesh women on February 12, while the hosts, South Africa will take on New Zealand the next day (Feb 13).
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
