In the annals of Sri Lankan women’s cricket, one name reigns supreme, Chamari Athapaththu, hailed as the greatest all-rounder in the nation’s history. Leading Sri Lanka with example, Athapaththu led her team to an impressive six-match unbeaten streak en route to the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Drawn into group A alongside formidable opponents like India, Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan, Athapaththu’s leadership will be tested against cricketing giants. Despite a relatively subdued performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, Athapaththu’s brilliance shone through when it mattered most. In a stunning display of skill and determination, she notched a remarkable 63-ball 102 against Scotland in the final, leading her team to a resounding 68-run victory at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This triumph sealed Sri Lanka’s undefeated run throughout the seven-week tournament, cementing Athapaththu’s status as a cricketing notable and inspiring leader.
Chamari encapsulates the cricket team’s undeniable resurgence, highlighting their recent commendable performance. With victories against formidable opponents like New Zealand, and England, and a historic win against South Africa, alongside triumphing in the T20 World Cup qualifiers, their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Chamari’s emphasis on the team’s collective effort highlights their unity and determination, contrasting with past struggles. As they gear up for the upcoming World Cup, her confidence is evident, echoing the sentiment that they are hitting their peak at precisely the opportune moment.
She exudes confidence in saying, “ I think we are peaking at the right time with some pretty good results behind us.”
Chamari’s reflections shed light on the transformative leadership within the team, spearheaded by their coach. She attributes the success to the changes instituted by the new coach, Rumesh Ratnayake, a former Sri Lanka international who also served as the interim coach for the men’s team in 2017. By fostering a new culture in the dressing room, characterized by innovative ideas and meticulous planning, the coach instilled a sense of belief in the players, catalyzing their collective growth and resilience. Chamari’s personal journey reflects this shift, from being a lone performer in defeat to now thriving within a cohesive unit that celebrates every player’s contribution. The emphasis on positivity and camaraderie in the dressing room has translated into tangible success on the field, with the team exhibiting a brand of cricket that is both skillful and cohesive. Chamari reflects pride in her teammates and the coaching staff with a comprehensive system in place to nurture talent across various squads, she expresses confidence.
She says, “He (Rumesh) created a different culture in the dressing room, New ideas and planning, and then the executions of those plans in both training and matches. He made the girls believe in their abilities and we got stronger as a group”
Athapaththu’s influence on Sri Lankan cricket is immeasurable. Her recent century against Scotland marked her second in T20Is, complementing her staggering tally of nine ODI centuries. Among these feats stands her monumental 195 not out, a record-breaking innings that propelled Sri Lanka to victory in the highest-ever one-day run chase of 305 against South Africa. This historic knock ranks as her career-best in ODIs and stands as the third-highest individual score by a woman in the format, trailing only Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 232 and Belinda Clark’s 229 not out. In a historic moment for Sri Lankan cricket, Athapaththu clinched the ICC Player of the Year award in 2023, a testimony to her exceptional performance throughout the year, which included leading her team to victory against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s Championship series.
Such accolades have earned her comparisons to the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya, revered for his explosive batting in Sri Lanka’s victorious 1996 men’s World Cup campaign and hailed as one of the finest all-rounders in limited-overs cricket history. Chamari expressed her respect and paid homage to Sanath Jayasuriya, renowned as a cricketing legend. Despite acknowledging the vast gap between their achievements and Sanath’s illustrious career, Chamari humbly accepts any comparison as a profound compliment. Sanath’s influence on their cricketing journey is profound, serving as both a hero and a role model from the outset for her. Chamari’s admiration for Sanath’s playing style is evident, with a deep-seated desire to emulate his aggressive and attacking approach. This admiration even prompted a change in batting stance to mirror Sanath’s technique. However, recognizing the uniqueness of their own path, She eventually forged their own style over time.
She mentions, “Sanath Aiya [older brother] is a legend, I’m not anywhere close to be compared with him, but if someone thinks I’m even close to him in any way, I will take that as a massive compliment. He’s my cricketing hero and role model. My cricket started with Sanath aiya. He’s always been an inspiration to me, even now. I loved to play like him. I even changed my batting stance to follow his style of play. However, I couldn’t match him and then over a period of time, I had to adopt my own style. I still love his aggression and attacking play, though.”
Athapaththu’s formative years were steeped in cricketing influence. At just six years old, she found herself mesmerized by Sri Lanka’s performance in the 1996 Cricket World Cup, particularly captivated by Jayasuriya’s batting prowess. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for the sport, setting her on a trajectory that would define her future. However, her early exposure to cricket began even earlier, under the guidance of her late uncle, Chandra Dissanayake. A cricket coach himself, he imparted invaluable lessons to Athapaththu from the tender age of four, shaping her understanding and skills in the game through spirited backyard matches.
Chamari’s reflections offer a touching insight into the profound impact of her cricketing idol, Sanath, on her life and career. From the earliest days, she found inspiration in his powerful batting displays, shaping her own aspirations and style on the cricket field. The serendipitous encounter with Sanath on her 21st birthday remains a cherished memory, marked by his gracious gesture of gifting her his bat and gloves, now treasured relics in her trophy cabinet. Chamari’s unique blend of left-handed batting and right-handed activities adds a quirky dimension to her connection with her idol. Yet, amidst her cricketing journey, her family stands as unwavering pillars of support and encouragement, especially her mother, father, and uncle, who served as her biggest fans. While her father couldn’t witness her achievements on the international stage, his presence and guidance remain profoundly felt. Chamari’s fond recollections of her family’s unwavering support extend beyond cricket, encompassing their presence at her other sporting endeavors during her school days. Through these anecdotes, Chamari’s story emerges as a testament to the profound influence of family, idols, and serendipitous moments on a remarkable cricketing journey.
“ He wished me [happy birthday] and presented me his bat and the pair of gloves which he was wearing. I still have them and it remains as one of the most sentimental gifts in my trophy cabinet.”
Later this year, Athapaththu will embark on her ninth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance. Since the tournament’s inception in 2009, Athapaththu has been a stalwart presence, showcasing her talent and determination on cricket’s grandest stage. Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey commences with a formidable clash against Australia on October 4, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign in a group featuring New Zealand, Pakistan, and India. Meanwhile, the other group comprises hosts Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Chamari’s words encapsulate the mindset of a determined leader, focused on the monumental task ahead. She acknowledges the formidable competition awaiting them in the World Cup, emphasizing the need for versatility and resilience in facing any opponent. Chamari’s confidence in her team’s preparedness is palpable, highlighting their meticulous planning and unwavering commitment to executing their game plan. Adopting a pragmatic approach, she stresses the importance of taking each match as it comes, simplifying the challenge while striving to deliver their best cricket. Aware of their strengths, Chamari exudes optimism, expressing hope that their collective efforts will translate into success in the field in Bangladesh.
“If we have to win the World Cup, we must be able to face any team and win against them. It’s the 10 best teams and I feel we are prepared for the challenge, We’ll take one game at a time and try to keep it simple and play our best cricket according to our plans.”
Quotes sourced from The National