Chamari Athapaththu, the dynamic Sri Lankan skipper, has signed up with the Northern Brave for the upcoming Super Smash season, marking her second consecutive stint with the team.
Athapaththu’s signing bolsters the squad, joining the likes of Australian spinner Amanda Wellington, who is also set to feature for the Brave. Known for her experience and consistency across formats, Athapaththu’s presence is a significant boost for the Brave as they aim for a strong campaign.
Athapaththu is one of the most seasoned players in the global cricketing circuit, with vast experience in franchise leagues around the world. She also made her maiden appearance in The Hundred earlier this year, representing the Oval Invincibles. In T20 Internationals (T20Is), Athapaththu has featured in over 143 matches, amassing more than 3,300 runs and contributing effectively with the ball (61 wickets) showcasing her all-round abilities.
During her maiden stint with Northern Brave last season, Athapaththu scored 221 runs in nine matches, including a vital half-century, while also scalping 9 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.11, and proved to be a key player for the side.
Athapaththu’s re-signing comes on the back of a sensational year with the bat, where she emerged as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in 2024. In 21 matches, she amassed over 700 runs, including two centuries. This run of form included her highest-ever T20I score, an unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in the Women’s Asia Cup in July 2024, where she led her team to their first-ever Asia Cup title.
Athapaththu has been equally impactful in franchise leagues, pivotal in the Barbados Royals’ title-winning campaign with 129 runs and three wickets earlier this year. She also debuted in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with the UP Warriorz earlier this year.
However, her recent outing in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Sydney Thunder was less fruitful, where she managed 191 runs in 12 matches, but was effective with the ball, producing 14 breakthroughs.
Heading into the Super Smash League, Northern Brave will be counting on Athapaththu’s vast experience and proven track record to lead their batting lineup. While her form in the WBBL was modest, the southpaw’s explosive potential and ability to turn games around make her an invaluable asset.
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