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Chamari Athapaththu, whose full name is Athapaththu Mudiyanselage Chamari Jayangani, is a name that resonates profoundly within the corridors of women's cricket, especially in Sri Lanka. Born on 9th February 1990 in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, Chamari's journey in the cricketing world has been nothing short of inspirational. With a left-handed batting style and right-arm off-break bowling technique, she has carved a niche for herself in the international cricketing arena.
From the early days of her life, Chamari's passion for cricket was evident. While details about her initial years and introduction to the sport might not be extensively documented, her dedication and commitment to the game were clear from her rapid rise in the domestic cricket scene. She began her domestic career with the Colts Cricket Club in 2007. Over the years, she played for various teams, including the Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club, Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club, Yorkshire Diamonds, Melbourne Renegades, and several others.
Chamari's prowess on the field was not limited to her home country. She expanded her horizons by participating in international franchise cricket. Notably, she became the first Sri Lankan woman to play in franchise cricket. Her unbeaten score of 178 against Australia in Bristol was a significant milestone that paved the way for her to sign a contract with a franchise-based T20 league. She represented teams in the Kia Super League in England in 2017 and had a standout season for Yorkshire Diamonds, accumulating 135 runs in just five matches.
In August 2022, Chamari was signed as an international player for the opening edition of the Women's Caribbean Premier League. Her return to the Melbourne Renegades during the 2022–23 Women's Big Bash League season further solidified her position as a formidable player in the women's cricket world.
Chamari's journey from her early days in Kurunegala to representing Sri Lanka and playing in international leagues is a testament to her talent, dedication, and love for the game. Her achievements in the domestic circuit were just the beginning of a cricketing journey that would see her reach greater heights in the international arena.
Chamari Athapaththu's journey in international cricket is a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for the game. Making her Women's One-Day International (WODI) debut against the West Indies in Basseterre on April 18, 2010, Athapaththu quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her aggressive batting style, combined with her ability to bowl effective off-breaks, made her an invaluable asset to the Sri Lankan women's cricket team.
Her T20 International (WT20I) journey began slightly earlier, with her debut against India in Taunton on June 15, 2009. Over the years, Athapaththu has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in the shortest format of the game, showcasing her adaptability and prowess in various conditions.
One of the standout moments in Athapaththu's international career was her assault against New Zealand, leading Sri Lanka to a commanding victory. Her ability to take on top bowling attacks and dominate them has been a hallmark of her game. With her aggressive approach, she has often provided Sri Lanka with quick starts, laying a solid foundation for the middle order.
Athapaththu's contributions to Sri Lankan cricket are not just limited to her batting. Her off-spin bowling has often provided crucial breakthroughs, making her a genuine all-rounder. Her versatility on the field has made her one of the mainstays of the Sri Lankan team, and she has often been the go-to player in crunch situations.
Her recent performances, as of July 2023, have further solidified her position as one of the leading cricketers in the women's game. Whether it's her match-winning innings or her ability to provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Athapaththu's impact on the field is undeniable.
Chamari Athapaththu's journey in international cricket is not just about her individual brilliance with the bat and ball but also her leadership qualities that have come to the fore over the years. Taking over the reins of the Sri Lankan women's cricket team, Athapaththu showcased a unique blend of aggression and calmness, characteristics that are essential for a successful leader.
Under her captaincy, the Sri Lankan women's team underwent a transformation. They began to play a more aggressive brand of cricket, taking on top teams with confidence and gusto. Athapaththu's leadership was not just about setting fields or making bowling changes; it was about instilling a belief in a team that had often been underdogs on the global stage.
Her leadership style was inclusive, ensuring every member of the team felt valued and had a role to play. This approach brought out the best in many players, leading to some memorable victories under her captaincy. Her ability to lead from the front, especially in crunch situations, set her apart. Whether it was anchoring the innings with the bat or making crucial decisions in the field, Athapaththu's presence was always felt.
Throughout her illustrious career, Chamari Athapaththu has had several standout moments that have etched her name in the annals of cricketing history. One of the most memorable innings came against Australia, where she played a masterclass, scoring a record-breaking century. Her unbeaten score against the top-ranked team showcased her ability to rise to the occasion and take on the best in the business.
Another highlight was her whirlwind hundred against New Zealand in Galle in June 2023, as reported by CricTracker. This innings was a testament to her aggressive batting style and her ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks.
In addition to her batting exploits, Athapaththu has achieved significant milestones as a bowler and fielder. Her all-round performances have often been the difference between victory and defeat for Sri Lanka. Her name frequently features in the record books, be it for the highest individual scores, most hundreds, or leading run-scorers in Women's ODIs and T20Is.
Off the field, Athapaththu's contributions to women's cricket in Sri Lanka and globally cannot be understated. She has been an ambassador for the sport, inspiring the next generation of cricketers with her performances and leadership.
While Chamari Athapaththu's cricketing journey is filled with remarkable achievements and milestones, her contributions to the sport extend beyond the boundary ropes. As one of the most celebrated cricketers in Sri Lanka, Athapaththu has always been a beacon for young aspirants, especially women, looking to make their mark in the sport.
After her illustrious international career, Athapaththu took on roles that allowed her to give back to the game that gave her so much. She became actively involved in coaching and mentoring young talents, ensuring that the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers had the guidance they needed. Her experience and insights have been invaluable, helping budding cricketers understand the nuances of the game and the importance of mental strength.
Furthermore, Athapaththu's post-cricket life saw her advocating for women's cricket at various platforms. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by female cricketers and has worked tirelessly to ensure they get the recognition and support they deserve. Her efforts have played a pivotal role in bridging the gender gap in cricket, ensuring that women's cricket in Sri Lanka and globally gets the attention it merits.
Chamari Athapaththu's legacy in the world of cricket is undeniable. From her early days in Kurunegala to her rise as one of the most formidable cricketers in the women's game, her journey is a testament to her talent, determination, and passion for the sport.
Her records speak for themselves, but it's her impact off the field that truly sets her apart. As a leader, mentor, and advocate for women's cricket, Athapaththu has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her efforts have paved the way for countless young women to dream big and pursue their passion for cricket.
In conclusion, Chamari Athapaththu is not just a cricketing legend but also a trailblazer who has redefined the landscape of women's cricket in Sri Lanka and beyond. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us all of the power of perseverance, dedication, and the love for the game.
While numbers and records provide a glimpse into Chamari Athapaththu's prowess on the cricket field, her true legacy lies in the hearts of countless fans and young cricketers she inspired. Her journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, serves as a beacon of hope for many who aspire to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
FAQs
When did Chamari Athapaththu make her international debut?
Chamari made her ODI debut on 18 April 2010 against West Indies and her T20I debut on 15 June 2009 against India.
How many international centuries has Chamari Athapaththu scored?
As of July 2023, Athapaththu has scored eight ODI centuries and one T20I century.
Which teams did Chamari Athapaththu represent in franchise cricket?
Chamari has played for teams like Melbourne Renegades, Yorkshire Diamonds, Loughborough Lightning, and Perth Scorchers, among others.
What is Chamari Athapaththu's highest individual score in ODIs?
Chamari's highest ODI score is 178.
Did Chamari Athapaththu captain the Sri Lankan women's cricket team?
Yes, Chamari Athapaththu has captained the Sri Lankan women's cricket team in various formats and tournaments.
