SA vs SL: Chamari Athapaththu Stars As Sri Lanka Triumph Over South Africa In Record-Breaking 3rd ODI at Potchefstroom

Sri Lanka scripted a historic victory, achieving the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history against South Africa in a thrilling encounter at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. Led by mesmerizing innings from their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka levelled the series 1-1 dramatically, chasing down a mammoth target of 302 with 33 balls to spare.

The match witnessed a captivating battle between two formidable captains, with Athapaththu’s breathtaking knock overshadowing Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant 184*. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka faced an early onslaught from Wolvaardt, who showcased her prowess with a scintillating 184 not out off 147 deliveries. She found able support from Lara Goodall (31) as the pair stitched a solid opening stand of 116 runs.

From the onset, Wolvaardt exhibited her class, showcasing impeccable timing and elegant stroke play to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers. Her innings was characterized by a perfect blend of aggression and composure, as she dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground with finesse.

One of the defining features of Wolvaardt’s innings was her ability to rotate the strike effectively, keeping the scoreboard ticking even during phases of tight bowling from Sri Lanka. This allowed her to build crucial partnerships with her teammates and lay a solid foundation for South Africa’s innings.

Wolvaardt’s century, achieved off just 100 deliveries, underscored her exceptional batting prowess and her capability to score runs at a brisk pace without taking unnecessary risks. Her innings was laced with a total of 23 boundaries and 4 towering sixes. Wolvaardt’s innings, the highest by a South African player and her fourth century as captain, propelled her team to a formidable total of 301/5, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.

However, Sri Lanka fought back through disciplined bowling, with Kavisha Dilhari (2/47) and Chamari Athapaththu (1/59) leading the charge to restrict South Africa to 301/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

🔄 Change Of Innings

🇿🇦Laura Wolvaardt with a sensational 1️⃣8️⃣4️⃣ runs to steer the Proteas Women to a total of 3️⃣0️⃣1️⃣/5️⃣

Game On! 😉#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAWvSRIW pic.twitter.com/vYqlXHh2NB

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) April 17, 2024

In response, Sri Lanka embarked on a daunting chase, fueled by a breathtaking innings from Athapaththu. She led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 195 off just 139 deliveries, showcasing a masterclass in batting prowess.

From the outset, Athapaththu stamped her authority on the game, displaying impeccable timing and remarkable power in her stroke play. Her innings was characterized by an array of exquisite shots to all parts of the ground, as she effortlessly pierced the field and found the boundary with ease.

What set Athapaththu’s innings apart was her incredible consistency and unwavering focus throughout the duration of her stay at the crease. Despite the pressure of chasing a formidable target, she exhibited immense composure and temperament, pacing her innings immaculately and ensuring that Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required run rate.

Athapaththu’s innings was not only about accumulating runs but also about seizing the crucial moments and capitalizing on the opportunities presented to her. She displayed exceptional adaptability, adjusting her game plan according to the match situation and unleashing a flurry of boundaries whenever the opposition tried to apply pressure.

Supported by Nilakshi de Silva’s composed 50*, Athapaththu anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with sheer determination and aggression, steering her team to a historic victory in 44.3 overs.

Despite South Africa’s best efforts with the ball, including commendable spells from Ayabonga Khaka (2/54) and Nadine de Klerk (1/59), they were unable to contain Sri Lanka’s rampant batting display.

Sri Lanka’s innings was characterized by clinical partnerships, none more crucial than the 179-run fifth-wicket stand between Athapaththu and Silva, which propelled them from a precarious position of 126/4 to a position of dominance.

The match showcased exemplary performances from both teams, with Sri Lanka’s remarkable run chase etching their name in the annals of women’s cricket history.

Chamari Athapaththu rewrites the history books! 🇱🇰🎉 #ChamariTheHurricane

Our star batter smashed a phenomenal 195* – the highest score EVER by a Sri Lankan woman in ODIs and the THIRD HIGHEST in the WORLD for women's ODIs! #WomensCricket #SAvSL #LionessesRoar pic.twitter.com/3FgRRj2wP7

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) April 17, 2024

Athapaththu’s heroics with the bat, coupled with her astute captaincy, earned her the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award, while Laura Wolvaardt’s consistent brilliance that saw her accumulate 335 runs throughout the series earned her the ‘Player of the Series’ accolade.

As the curtains fell on an exhilarating encounter, Sri Lanka departed South Africa with their heads held high, having clinched a historic series win in the T20Is and levelling the ODI series 1-1. Their spirited performance, epitomized by Athapaththu’s monumental innings, showcased the growing stature of women’s cricket on the global stage, leaving an indelible mark in the world of cricket.

Sri Lanka cruise to a historic landmark in Women’s Cricket! 🇱🇰

They record the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODIs. Sri Lanka beat South Africa by six wickets and level the 3-match ODI series 1-1! #WomenCricket #SAvSL #LionessesRoar pic.twitter.com/29HhxKeKrq

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) April 17, 2024

Match Summary: South Africa- 301/5 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 184, Marizanne Kapp 36; Kavisha Dilhari 2/47) lost to Sri Lanka- 305/4 in 44.3 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 195, Nilakshi de Silva 50; Ayabonga Khaka 2/54) by 6 wickets.

Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.