Chamari Athapaththu has now become the Sri Lankan woman with the most matches as ODI captain, overtaking the legendary Shashikala Siriwardene. This achievement not only cements Athapaththu’s status as a modern-day legend but also marks a significant chapter in the journey of Sri Lanka women’s cricket, reflecting both her persistence and vision as a captain.
Chamari Athapaththu stands at the top with 59 ODIs as captain between 2014 and 2025. In these 59 games, she has led her team to 13 wins, with 40 losses and 5 no-results, giving her a win percentage of 22.03. Athapaththu’s leadership has coincided with some of Sri Lanka’s most competitive outings, even if the results have not always gone their way. Her era is defined by a bold approach, strategic shifts, and a drive to challenge the world’s best sides.
One of the landmark moments for Sri Lanka under her captaincy tenure came in June-July 2023, when they defeated a strong White Ferns side in the ODI series (2-1) in Sri Lanka. Another notable achievement was her leading the Sri Lankan side to a memorable whitewash in the ODI series (3-0) at home against the West Indies in June 2024. Prior to their series against the West Indies, they also pushed the Proteas to the brink, when the managed to level the three-match ODI series away from home in April 2024 (1-1) against the Laura Wolvaardt-led side.
Chamari Athapaththu led from the front producing a herculean effort with the bat (195* off 139 balls), acing a record-shattering run chase (302), with 5 and a half overs to spare. The magnitude of her knock was such that, her opposite number Laura Wolvaardt (184 off 147 balls) who had also registered her career-best effort with the bat for her side in the format, went under the carpet. Not only did she edge Laura Wolvaardt in the battle of the skippers, she also claimed a well-deserved Player of the Match award. Her knock included 23 boundaries and 4 maximums. It is not only her career-best score, but it is also the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in the format to date.
Shashikala Siriwardene, who led Sri Lanka in 58 ODIs from 2005 to 2019, remains a trailblazing figure in the nation’s women’s cricket history. Under her captaincy, Sri Lanka registered 18 wins, suffered 38 losses, and had 2 no-results. Siriwardene’s win percentage stands at 31.03, higher than Athapaththu’s, highlighting her impact not just as a captain, but as a reliable all-rounder who built the backbone of the team’s earlier era.
The passing of the record from Siriwardene to Athapaththu is not merely a change in numbers — it symbolizes a decade of grit, evolution, and transition. While Siriwardene’s phase was about establishing Sri Lanka as a respected outfit, Athapaththu’s era is characterized by an attacking mindset and individual brilliance. Her leadership continues to inspire a new wave of talent and optimism, even as the team works to convert fighting performances into more frequent victories.
Chamari Athapaththu’s ascent as the most-capped ODI captain in Sri Lankan women’s cricket is a testament to perseverance and ambition. Surpassing Siriwardene, she has taken on the responsibility of leading a new generation toward future milestones, redefining what it means to be a leader in Sri Lankan cricket.
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