Cricket

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has added wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana to its 16-member squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland. Nuthyangana, who has yet to make her ODI debut, will serve as backup to regular wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani.The squad, which lifted the Women's Asia Cup last week, will be without talismanic skipper Chamari Athapaththu for the T20Is on August 11 and 13 due to her commitments with the Oval Invincibles in the Women's Hundred. Athapaththu, who was named Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup, will join the team for the ODIs, which are part of the 2022-2025 ICC Women's Championship cycle, starting August 16.In Athapaththu's absence, Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was the last designated vice-captain, could lead the team. The batting burden will fall on the shoulders of 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne, who has the fifth-most runs in women's T20Is in 2024, and Samarawickrama. Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari has also shown consistency with the bat.However, there is some uncertainty in the batting lineup below these three players, although Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, and Sanjeewani have all produced exciting cameos in the past year. Nuthyangana is likely to get game time as Sri Lanka does not have another batting replacement for Athapaththu in the squad.The bowling options include four frontline spinners and three seamers.

Chamari Athapaththu, the enigmatic Sri Lankan cricket captain, has put an end to speculation about her international retirement, confirming her intention to lead her team until at least next year's ODI World Cup.Athapaththu, 34, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for over a decade, amassing an impressive record as both a batter and a leader. Her recent performances at the Asia Cup, where she emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer and guided her team to victory, have further cemented her status as one of the most influential players in the women's game.Despite hinting at a possible retirement in the past, Athapaththu has now clarified that she remains committed to representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. "Hopefully I'll still play till the next 50-over World Cup," she stated in a recent interview.This announcement is a significant boost for Sri Lankan cricket, as Athapaththu's experience and leadership will be invaluable in the team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the ODI World Cup in India next year.Athapaththu's decision to continue playing is a testament to her unwavering passion for the game and her desire to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. Her presence in the team will provide stability and guidance, while her exceptional batting skills will continue to be a major asset for Sri Lanka.As Sri Lanka gears up for the challenges ahead, Chamari Athapaththu's commitment to the national team is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for both players and fans alike.

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu Guides Team to Asia Cup Final with Resolute Half-CenturyIn a thrilling encounter at Dambulla, Sri Lanka's skipper Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semifinal of the Women's Asia Cup. The win propelled Sri Lanka into the championship match against India, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets.Athapaththu, the tournament's leading run-scorer, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's triumph. Her well-timed 63 off 48 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six, singlehandedly steered the Lankans towards the 141-run target. Her crucial partnership of 61 runs with Kalisha Dilhari (17 off 18 balls) for the third wicket provided Sri Lanka with a solid foundation.Anushka Sanjeevani's unbeaten 24 off 22 balls, including a four and a six, also played a significant role in Sri Lanka's successful chase. The hosts reached the target of 141 for 7 in 19.5 overs, securing their place in the final.Pakistan's bowling attack was led by the experienced left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, who claimed an impressive 4 wickets for 16 runs in her four overs. However, she lacked adequate support from her fellow bowlers, allowing Sri Lanka to overcome the challenge.Earlier, Pakistan's innings was anchored by useful contributions from Muneeba Ali (37), Gull Feroza (25), captain Nida Dar (23), and Fatima Sana (23 not out). Despite getting starts, none of them managed to convert their scores into more substantial ones, resulting in Pakistan posting a total of 140 for four in 20 overs.

The Barbados Royals, reigning champions of the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), have bolstered their squad for the 2024 season with the acquisition of Sri Lankan superstar Chamari Athapaththu. The Royals have also retained key players from their title-winning campaign, including all-rounder Hayley Matthews and legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington.Athapaththu, a prolific batter and offspinner, brings a wealth of experience to the Royals. In 12 T20Is this year, she has amassed 371 runs, including a century against Scotland, and claimed 13 wickets. Her all-around abilities will be a valuable asset to the Royals' lineup.Matthews, who captained the Royals to victory last season, was a standout performer. She finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 191 runs at a strike rate of 132.63 and was also the joint third-highest wicket-taker with seven. Her match-winning 82-run knock and two wickets in the final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors were crucial in securing the title.Wellington, meanwhile, was the second-highest wicket-taker in 2023 with eight scalps in five games at an impressive economy rate of 4.80. Her legspin will be a key weapon for the Royals in the upcoming season.In addition to Athapaththu, Matthews, and Wellington, the Royals have retained Laura Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Qiana Joseph from their 2023 squad. These players provide a solid foundation for the team, with a mix of experience and emerging talent.The Royals still have six spots to fill, which will be determined through the WCPL draft later in July. The team will be aiming to defend their title and continue their dominance in the tournament.The WCPL 2024 will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with all seven games taking place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The Royals will face off against the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the tournament.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a historic victory over West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series, marking their first triumph over the Caribbean side in this format since 2015.The foundation for Sri Lanka's success was laid by the exceptional bowling performances of Chamari Athapaththu and Inoshi Priyadharshani. Athapaththu, who registered a career-best 4 for 29, and Priyadharshani, who claimed 3 for 28, combined to restrict West Indies to a modest total of 134 for 8.In response, Sri Lanka's batters displayed resilience and determination. Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama forged a crucial 46-run partnership for the second wicket, with Gunaratne contributing a brisk 35. Samarawickrama continued to anchor the innings, scoring 35 before being dismissed.Despite losing wickets in quick succession, Sri Lanka remained composed. Nilakshika Silva played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory, remaining unbeaten on 17.West Indies' batting effort was hampered by an injury to Stafanie Taylor, who was forced to leave the field in the third over. Hayley Matthews top-scored for the visitors with a run-a-ball 30, while Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher provided some late impetus with a 33-run partnership.The victory gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series, which continues with the second T20I on Saturday.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a historic 3-0 series whitewash against the West Indies in the third ODI in Hambantota, thanks to a comprehensive 160-run victory.Chamari Athapaththu, Nilakshika Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani led the way for Sri Lanka with half-centuries, while Sachini Nisansala claimed a maiden five-wicket haul to dismantle the West Indies batting lineup.Chasing Sri Lanka's imposing total of 275 for 6, the West Indies struggled from the outset. Rashada Williams and Shemaine Campbell were dismissed cheaply, leaving Chedean Nation and Stafanie Taylor to rebuild the innings. The pair put on a 57-run partnership, but Taylor's dismissal triggered a collapse.Athapaththu removed Nation, and Nisansala took over with her slow left-arm orthodox bowling. She trapped Zaida James leg before, and Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, and Qiana Joseph all fell in quick succession. Aaliyah Alleyne's cameo ended when she chipped one back to Nisansala, completing her five-wicket haul.Earlier, Sri Lanka's openers, Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, put on a 93-run stand. Gunaratne fell for 44, but Athapaththu continued to anchor the innings. She shared a 57-run partnership with Nilakshika before being dismissed for 91.Nilakshika and Sanjeewani then took control, adding 117 runs for the fifth wicket. Sanjeewani (55) and Nilakshika (63) fell in the final over, but Sri Lanka had already amassed a formidable total.The West Indies' bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka's batters, with Ramharack taking 2 for 46 as the most successful bowler. The victory marks Sri Lanka's first-ever series whitewash against the West Indies and is a testament to the team's growing strength in women's cricket.

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a resounding 68-run victory over Scotland in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, securing their place in Group A of the World Cup proper.Athapaththu's blistering 102 off 63 balls, studded with 13 fours and four sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 169 for 5. She shared a crucial 106-run partnership with Nilakshika Silva (26*).Scotland's chase faltered early as they lost opener Saskia Horley to a run-out in the third over. Left-arm medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhani then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Sarah Bryce and Katherine Fraser to leave Scotland reeling at 13 for 3.Sri Lanka's spinners tightened the screws, with Priyanaz Chatterji (30) offering the only resistance. However, the Scottish batters struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually falling 68 runs short.Prabodhani finished with impressive figures of 3 for 13, while fellow spinner Inoka Ranaweera claimed 1 for 13.The victory marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, who will now face the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan in Group A of the World Cup. Scotland, on the other hand, will be part of Group B alongside South Africa, England, West Indies, and Bangladesh.Both Sri Lanka and Scotland had already secured their spots in the T20 World Cup proper after defeating UAE and Ireland, respectively, in the semifinals.

Chamari Athapaththu's record-breaking performance in Sri Lanka's thrilling ODI victory over South Africa has propelled her to the summit of the ICC's batting rankings for women's ODIs. Athapaththu's unbeaten 195 in just 139 balls shattered several records, including the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase.Chasing South Africa's formidable total of 301 for 5, anchored by Laura Wolvaardt's magnificent 184 not out, Sri Lanka chased down the target in a mere 44.3 overs. Athapaththu's knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she smashed 22 fours and 5 sixes.Her innings not only secured a remarkable victory for Sri Lanka but also earned her a career-high rating of 773 on the ICC table. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Athapaththu, who has consistently been among the top performers in women's cricket.Athapaththu's rise to the top has been accompanied by the impressive performances of other batters. Wolvaardt, who had entered the top five in the previous rankings update, has moved up two more spots to third place. Hayley Matthews has also made significant strides, jumping seven spots to reach No. 11 after her match-winning knocks against Pakistan.Among bowlers, Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal has made a notable ascent, moving up six places to enter the top 20. Her impressive returns of 2 for 38 and 1 for 36 against West Indies have earned her recognition as one of the most promising young spinners in the game.The ICC rankings reflect the dynamic nature of women's cricket, with players from various nations showcasing their exceptional skills. Athapaththu's achievement is a testament to her unwavering determination and the growing strength of Sri Lanka's women's cricket team.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has set their sights on reaching the semi-finals of both the T20 and ODI World Cups, according to captain Chamari Athapaththu. The team has shown impressive form in recent months, winning T20I series against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa, and reaching the final of the Asian Games. They also won ODI series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and are in contention for automatic qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup.Athapaththu's confidence stems from her team's recent performances, including her own record-breaking 195 not out against South Africa. This innings not only marked the third-highest individual score in women's ODIs but also led Sri Lanka to the highest successful chase in the format.The team's success is also attributed to the contributions of young players like Nilakshika Silva, who scored an unbeaten 50 against South Africa. Athapaththu believes that her team has the potential to achieve great things, especially if they continue to play with the same determination and skill.However, Athapaththu is also aware of the challenges ahead. Sri Lanka must perform well against West Indies and Ireland to secure a top-five finish in the Women's Championship table and qualify for the ODI World Cup. They must also navigate the T20 World Cup qualifiers in the UAE, where they are grouped with Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and USA.Despite the challenges, Athapaththu remains optimistic about her team's chances. She is particularly excited about the prospect of seeing another Sri Lankan batter surpass her record score. She believes that such achievements can inspire the next generation of cricketers and help Sri Lanka become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.