Islamabad, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu delivered a masterclass in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier final, leading her team to a convincing victory with a stunning century. The match, highlighted by Athapaththu’s explosive batting, confirmed Sri Lanka’s strong form ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
According to International Cricket Council, Athapaththu’s innings was a critical factor in Sri Lanka’s 169-run total, which proved insurmountable for Scotland, especially in the absence of their injured captain, Kathryn Bryce. Despite Scotland’s valiant efforts and a promising start, they could not contain Athapaththu, who accelerated from 50 to 100 in just 20 balls, leaving the Scottish bowlers struggling to respond.
Sri Lanka’s preparation and performance in the qualifier have set high expectations for their upcoming matches in the World Cup, where they face a challenging group including Australia, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Athapaththu’s form will be pivotal in Sri Lanka’s campaign to potentially upset top-tier teams and advance in the tournament.
Scotland’s journey to the qualifier final was also commendable, as they overcame expectations and showcased a strong team spirit, inspired by Bryce’s leadership. With the World Cup ahead, Scotland eyes potential upsets in a group featuring Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The broader tournament reflected the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket, with teams like Vanuatu and the UAE making significant impacts, demonstrating the increasing depth of the sport. The ICC’s pathway events have been crucial in providing exposure and competitive opportunities for emerging teams, helping to narrow the gap with more established cricketing nations.
This event not only showcased emerging talent but also offered a platform for seasoned players like Athapaththu to affirm their world-class status. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup promises to be a closely contested tournament, reflecting the rising standards and reducing disparities within women’s international cricket.