Athapaththu hails Sri Lanka’s positive brand of cricket after thrilling chase against India
The tri-series hosts pulled off their second-highest run chase in their Women’s ODI history by three wickets over India.
Chasing 276 to make it back-to-back wins in the tri-series, the hosts’ batters produced a sublime performance to close out the run chase with five balls to spare.
Speaking after the game, skipper Chamari Athapaththu heaped praise on the ‘positive’ brand of cricket Sri Lanka showed, following the defeat to India in the series opener.
“Actually, we are playing positive cricket in the last game and today. I am happy as a captain, youngsters are playing their best cricket. We are ready to bat first too. We will try to score 250+ when we are put in to bat," Athapaththu was quoted as saying after the win.
Sri Lanka pull off their second-highest successful run chase in Women's ODIs 🔥
— ICC (@ICC) May 4, 2025
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Athapaththu had amassed scores of just scores of 7 and 6 against India and South Africa respectively, in the first two games but contributed a 33-ball 23 in the 276-run chase on Sunday. After being wicketless in the first two games, the spinner came back strongly with three scalps against India.
Speaking on her own form, the 35-year-old acknowledged the need to lead the way as the most experienced player in the squad.
“Last two games, I have not been in my best form, so we thought of trying something differently ahead of the World Cup," she added. "As a senior player, I need to lead from the front.
“I have been playing cricket for 15 years but didn't bowl a lot. But I am bowling a lot these days. I'm just trying to keep it simple and on the stumps, that's my mantra."
Chamari Athapaththu ready to lead Sri Lanka to new heights | Women's T20WC 2022
Sri Lanka captain and batting powerhouse Chamari Athapaththu laid down a marker in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 opener against hosts South Africa
Chasing 276, half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama (53) and Nilakshika Silva (56) proved to be the game changers after the Indian bowlers struck at regular intervals in the second phase of the game to disrupt the home side’s momentum.
The win over India came in what was Sri Lanka’s second-highest successful run chase in Women’s ODIs.
Sri Lanka's highest successful run chases in Women's ODIs
Sri Lanka's highest successful run chases in Women's ODIs
| Against | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 305/4 | 2024 |
| India | 278/7 | 2025 |
| India | 257/7 | 2018 |
| England | 244/9 | 2013 |
| South Africa | 237/5 | 2025 |
Earlier, India struck 275/9 from their 50-over quota, thanks to Richa Ghosh's superb 58-run knock and able support from the rest of the batters in the lineup.
Sri Lanka next take on South Africa in their final league stage clash on Friday, May 9, as they look to etch their place in the final.