Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has made notable gains in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after leading her side to a dominant 3-0 series win over Bangladesh. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup just over a month away, her rise comes as a timely boost for Sri Lanka.
Athapaththu was the standout performer in the three-match series, finishing with 115 runs and four wickets, earning her the Player of the Series award. Her performances highlighted her continued importance to the side, not just as captain but as a genuine all-rounder capable of influencing matches in multiple ways. The impact of that series has been reflected in the rankings update. Athapaththu has moved up two places to third in the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings, now sitting behind only Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews. She has also climbed three spots to 41st in the bowling rankings, underlining her growing role with the ball in the shortest format.
Her performances throughout the Bangladesh series were both consistent and impactful. In the rain-affected third T20I in Sylhet, Athapaththu once again led from the front, scoring 41 runs to help Sri Lanka post 87 for 6 in nine overs. She then returned with the ball to pick up 2 for 15, playing a key role in defending the modest total as Sri Lanka sealed a narrow three-run victory. It was a performance that summed up her value — stepping up with both bat and ball when the team needed her most.
Across the series, she showed her ability to adapt to different match situations. Whether setting the tone at the top of the order or breaking partnerships with the ball, Athapaththu ensured Sri Lanka remained in control. The rankings update also reflects her consistency over a longer period. By moving up to third among all-rounders, she has overtaken experienced players like Deepti Sharma and Ashleigh Gardner. It is a significant achievement, especially with the World Cup approaching, where form and confidence can play a major role.
Sri Lanka’s success in the series was not limited to their captain. Harshitha Samarawickrama moved up in the batting rankings after steady contributions, while Imesha Dulani registered one of the biggest jumps. Among the bowlers, Kavisha Dilhari and Malki Madara also climbed the charts, reflecting an overall improvement in Sri Lanka’s performances.
For Bangladesh, despite the 3-0 loss, there were some positives. Batters Sharmin Akhter, Dilara Akter and Shorna Akter all moved up the rankings, while Sultana Khatun made a significant rise among bowlers.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup set to begin on June 12, Sri Lanka will take confidence from both the series result and Athapaththu’s form. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, she remains central to their plans. Her recent performances suggest she is peaking at the right time. If she can maintain this level through the World Cup, Sri Lanka will not only rely on her leadership, but also on her ability to deliver match-winning performances in crucial moments.
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