CA 58 – Transformation of a name to a brand
Chamari Athapaththu, the dynamic captain of the Sri Lankan women's cricket team, was this week named the ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023. This prestigious honour follows an exceptional season where the 33-year-old Southpaw exhibited her remarkable batting skills, leading Sri Lanka to their historic first-ever series win against New Zealand.
The highlight of Athapaththu’s outstanding year was undoubtedly the consecutive centuries (108 and 140) she scored against the formidable New Zealand side to lead Sri Lanka to a historic series triumph.
Chasing a target of 196 to win off 31 overs in the series deciding third ODI against New Zealand, Athapaththu, carrying the weight of captaincy, delivered a breathtaking performance that left fans and critics alike in awe. Her unbeaten innings of 140 off just 80 balls showcased her skill, determination, and ability to handle pressure with remarkable grace.
Athapaththu trademark is her aggressive intent, and she exhibited this well, taking on the New Zealand bowlers with fearless strokes. Her innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as she dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground. The captain’s knock included a stunning array of boundaries and sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers struggling to contain her onslaught.
The all-rounder scored 415 runs in eight matches during 2023, at an average of 69.16 and a strike-rate of 125.37. Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Athapaththu expressed gratitude for the recognition and credited her team for the success.
“I feel very happy and proud. I have finally achieved a big dream. Sometimes playing a levelup is about improving, not impressing. So, I want to keep doing my best for my country all the time. Amelia, Nat and Ash are the world’s best all-rounders and it was an honour to be nominated along with them,” Athapaththu said.
“I have had some good achievements in the last few years. I am the first [female] Sri Lanka cricketer to score centuries in ODIs and T20Is, I had also scored 178 against Australia in the World Cup (2017), but this one is an important achievement of my career. I have sacrificed a lot for this award, so I am very happy”.
Social media platforms were abuzz with praise for the captain, as cricket enthusiasts celebrated her accomplishments and shared highlights of her scintillating innings that led to become the first Sri Lanka female to become the ICC’s ODI Women’s cricketer of the year.
This recognition is a significant milestone in Athapaththu’s illustrious career and a testament to her commitment and dedication to emerge as a leading figure in women’s cricket globally. Known for her aggressive batting style and leadership qualities, Athapaththu has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka, and this award cements her status as one of the premier ODI cricketers in the world.
As Sri Lanka continues to build on its successes in women’s cricket, Athapaththu’s performance and leadership will undoubtedly be a driving force behind the team's aspirations for further glory. The ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award is a fitting tribute to Athapaththu’s exceptional contributions to the sport and serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams on the cricketing field.