Colombo: Sri Lanka’s cricket captain, Chamari Athapaththu, has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2024, marking her second award this year and third overall. This accolade follows her pivotal role in leading Sri Lanka to their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title, where they triumphed over India.

According to International Cricket Council, Athapaththu outperformed other top contenders, including India’s Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, to secure the honor. Her impressive performance in July included leading Sri Lanka to a series of remarkable victories, most notably against India in the Asia Cup final. Over the tournament, Athapaththu scored a total of 304 runs with a striking rate of 146.85, highlighted by a career-best 119 not out against Malaysia and crucial innings in both the semi-final and final matches.

The award also recognizes Athapaththu’s consistent influence over the past year, during which she has guided Sri Lanka to first-time T20I series wins against England and South Africa, as well as successful qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.