In a breathtaking display of power-hitting and sheer determination, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu scripted one of the most memorable chapters in women's cricket history, single-handedly demolishing Bangladesh with an unbeaten 195 that propelled her team to an incredible victory in the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier.
A Captain's Knock for the Ages
Facing a daunting target of 295 runs, Sri Lanka's chase seemed improbable until Athapaththu decided to take matters into her own hands. The veteran opener played what many are calling the innings of her career, smashing the Bangladesh bowlers to all parts of the ground with impeccable timing and raw power.
Athapaththu's monumental 195 not out came from just 139 deliveries, featuring an astonishing 26 boundaries and 5 massive sixes. Her strike rate of 140.28 throughout the innings demonstrated complete dominance over one of the most disciplined bowling attacks in women's cricket.
Records Tumble in Spectacular Fashion
The Sri Lankan skipper's heroics weren't just about the victory—they rewrote the record books in spectacular fashion:
- Highest individual score in women's ODI run-chases
- Second-highest individual score in all women's ODIs
- Highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in women's ODIs
- Largest contribution to a successful run-chase in women's ODI history (66% of team total)
Turning the Tables After Early Setbacks
The match had begun on a completely different note, with Bangladesh posting what appeared to be a commanding total of 294/8. Fargana Hoque's composed 107 and Nigar Sultana's aggressive 76 had set the stage for what seemed like a comfortable Bangladesh victory.
When Sri Lanka stumbled early in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals, the outcome seemed inevitable. But Athapaththu had other plans, anchoring the innings while simultaneously keeping the scoreboard ticking at an alarming rate.
The Partnership That Changed Everything
The defining moment came when Athapaththu found an able partner in Nilakshi de Silva. Together, they constructed a match-winning partnership that gradually shifted the momentum toward Sri Lanka. While de Silva played the supporting role perfectly, it was Athapaththu's relentless assault that broke Bangladesh's spirit.
"I just believed in myself and my ability," Athapaththu said after the match. "The team needed me to play a big innings, and I'm happy I could deliver when it mattered most."
What This Means for Sri Lankan Cricket
This victory represents more than just two points in the qualification tournament. It signals a resurgence in Sri Lankan women's cricket and provides much-needed momentum as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
The performance also establishes Athapaththu as one of the most formidable batters in contemporary women's cricket, capable of single-handedly changing the course of matches against top-quality opposition.
As the Women's World Cup Qualifier progresses, all eyes will be on whether Sri Lanka can build on this spectacular victory and whether other teams can find an answer to the Athapaththu challenge.
