By Sri Lanka’s cricket sensation, Chamari Athapaththu, has been awarded the prestigious ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023. The 33-year-old captain played a crucial role in leading Sri Lanka to a historic series win over New Zealand, securing a 2-1 victory. Her exceptional performance throughout 2023, including unbeaten knocks of 108 and 140 against New Zealand, contributed significantly to her team’s success. Notably, she set a new record for the fastest century by a Sri Lankan and the fourth fastest in women’s ODI history during the series.
Eight Centuries
Chamari Athapaththu’s outstanding year also saw her accumulate a total of 415 runs in eight matches and take one wicket. With a career spanning 98 ODIs, she has an impressive record of 3,255 runs at an average of 34.26, including eight centuries and 15 half-centuries. Her recognition as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 highlights her skill, dedication, and leadership in women’s ODI cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu Joins UP Warriorz for Women’s Premier League 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Chamari Athapaththu has joined UP Warriorz as a replacement for Lauren Bell in the upcoming edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Athapaththu, who signed for her base price of INR 30 lakh (approximately US$36,000), expressed her enthusiasm to contribute to the team’s success and work closely with head coach Jon Lewis and skipper Alyssa Healy.
The decision by Lauren Bell to withdraw from the WPL to focus on preparing for the New Zealand series has raised questions about the availability of the rest of Warriorz’s England contingent, including head coach Jon Lewis, Sophie Ecclestone, and Danni Wyatt, for the WPL engagements.
Despite her stellar T20 performance in 2023, where Athapaththu scored 470 runs in 16 T20Is and led Sri Lanka to a historic series win over England, she went unsold in the WPL 2024 auction. Her impressive record in domestic T20s, particularly in the WBBL, where she finished as the second-highest run scorer and Player of the Tournament, adds anticipation to her partnership with Alyssa Healy in the upcoming WPL.
The 2024 edition of WPL is scheduled to be played from February 23 to March 17 in Bengaluru and Delhi. UP Warriorz will kick off their campaign on February 24 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chamari Athapaththu’s inclusion is expected to strengthen the team’s batting lineup and make for a destructive opening pair with Alyssa Healy
