Sri Lanka stalwart Chamari Athapaththu added another feather to her crown with a historic maiden win in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 over seven-time champions India in July. This triumph was yet another feat under her leadership in the last 12 months, a period in which Sri Lanka have set several milestones, including first-ever T20I series wins against England and South Africa and securing their qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting for several years now, Athapaththu was also the star in their undefeated Asia Cup run. After making just 12 in Sri Lanka’s first game against Bangladesh, Athapaththu responded in style, hitting a career-best 119* against Malaysia. An unbeaten 49* against Thailand in the final group game was followed by back-to-back and match-winning fifties against Pakistan (63) and India (61) in the tournament semi-final and final.
Her 304 runs at a healthy strike rate of 146.85 would’ve been enough to secure a Player of the Tournament award, but the skipper also struck three times with the ball, including in the final against India.
Already a two-time winner of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, Athapaththu now has a third award in her sights.
Other two players on the shortlist for ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2024:
Smriti Mandhana (India)
Shafali Verma (India)
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