Sri Lanka’s cricket sensation, Chamari Athapaththu, clinched the prestigious title of ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for her outstanding performances throughout the remarkable year of 2023. Her stellar achievements with the bat and exemplary leadership as captain were pivotal in elevating her to this coveted accolade.
Athapaththu’s exceptional journey began with a triumphant 1-0 series win over Bangladesh, where she showcased her prowess both as a captain and a player. In a rain-truncated series, she steered her team to victory in a decisive encounter, scoring a brisk 64 off 60 balls and making significant contributions with the ball.
However, it was against New Zealand that Athapaththu etched her name in history, leading Sri Lanka to their inaugural bilateral series triumph (2-1) over the White Ferns. Her impactful centuries, an unbeaten 108 and a stunning 140, proved pivotal in dismantling New Zealand’s defences and securing victories for her team in pressure-laden situations.
Despite a setback against England, where Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 defeat on foreign soil, Athapaththu’s overall contributions in 2023 included 415 runs and a wicket in 8 matches. Her multifaceted role as a leader and a standout performer underlines her significance in Sri Lanka’s cricketing landscape, earning her well-deserved recognition as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
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