The eighth match of the Women’s T20 Super Smash 2024-25 at Seddon Park witnessed an extraordinary all-round performance by Chamari Athapaththu as Northern Brave cruised to a dominant victory over Central Hinds. Athapaththu’s heroics with both bat and ball dismantled the opposition, ensuring a clinical win for her team. Scroll below to watch Athapaththu’s all-round masterclass.
Central Hinds won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that quickly turned into a nightmare. Athapaththu unleashed a devastating bowling spell, completely derailing the Central Hinds’ batting lineup. Her new career best bowling figures of 4 for 16 in four overs highlighted her mastery as she kept the batters guessing with precise variations and relentless accuracy.
She struck early, removing key players Thamsyn Newton and Hannah Rowe in quick succession, setting the tone for a collapse. Georgia Atkinson was cleaned up by a pinpoint delivery, and Claudia Green’s dismissal—an absolute peach of a ball that rattled the stumps—sealed the opposition’s fate. Central Hinds were eventually bowled out for a meager 112 in 18.4 overs.
If her bowling was a masterclass in precision, Athapaththu’s batting was an exhibition of controlled aggression. Chasing a modest target of 113, she wasted no time as she launched a blistering assault on the Central Hinds’ bowlers. Partnering with skipper Jess Watkin, Athapaththu tore into the attack, delivering a stunning 45 off just 31 balls before getting dismissed by Ocean Bartlett. Her innings featured eight boundaries and a towering six that electrified the crowd.
The opening partnership between Athapaththu and Watkin was nothing short of spectacular. The duo added 87 runs in quick time, ensuring there was no pressure on the chase. Jess Watkin played a captain’s knock, staying unbeaten on 51 from just 32 balls, with seven boundaries and a six. Her composed yet attacking approach ensured Northern Brave sealed the win with ease, wrapping up the chase in just 12.4 overs with 44 balls to spare.
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