The evening of June 9th, 2025, will forever be etched in the hearts of cricket fans across Sri Lanka. During the 2024 Sri Lanka Cricket Awards, a vibrant celebration unfolded, brimming with pride as it honored not just remarkable athletic performances but also the pioneering women who continue to push the boundaries of this cherished sport.
A central figure in this jubilant gathering was none other than Chamari Athapaththu. Known as an unwavering captain and a role model for budding cricketers, Athapaththu stood tall as she racked up accolades, firmly establishing her reign over the night’s festivities.
At 35, her cricket journey is a masterclass in resilience and outstanding talent. In a spectacular display, Athapaththu swept the awards, clinching the titles of Best Batter and Best All-rounder in ODI format. But her brilliance didn’t stop there; she was also crowned Best Batter, Best Bowler, and Best All-rounder in T20Is, showcasing her all-around capabilities and steadfast dedication. In a crowning moment, she took home the coveted Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, a testament to her legendary status in Sri Lankan cricket.
While Athapaththu basked in the limelight, the night also heralded a fresh beginning in women’s cricket, particularly through the impressive performances of 24-year-old all-rounder Kavisha Dilhari. She received the title of Best Bowler in ODIs, highlighting the emergence of a dynamic new era where youth and experience harmoniously collide to carry forward Sri Lanka’s cricketing ambitions.
Chamari Athapaththu
Best ODI Batter and All-rounder, Best T20I Batter, Bowler, and All-rounder, Women’s Cricketer of the Year
In the 2024 ODI season, Chamari Athapaththu dazzled fans with her phenomenal accomplishments. Over her 17 innings, she amassed an astonishing 873 runs, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 111.35 and a dazzling average of 67.15. Her tally included three centuries and three half-centuries, proving she could not only get off to a solid start but also deliver game-changing scores.
One moment that truly defines her prowess came on April 17, 2024, in a heated match against South Africa in Potchefstroom. As Sri Lanka chased a challenging target, Athapaththu showcased her skill by scoring an unbeaten 195* off 139 balls—a display of fearless stroke play and unwavering composure that led Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory with 33 balls to spare. Her remarkable performance earned her the Player of the Match award, encapsulating her immense value to the side.
Athapaththu’s excellence is not just limited to her batting; she further underscored her all-round credentials by taking 10 wickets over 13 innings at an average of 38.80 and an economy rate of 4.98. Her knack for breaking partnerships and providing vital overs solidified her place as the backbone of Sri Lankan women’s cricket.
Blockbuster Show in the T20Is
Athapaththu’s performances in the T20 format were nothing short of electric. During her participation, she scored 1,190 runs across 37 innings, boasting a stunning strike rate of 128.37 and an average of 36.06. Her adaptability shown in seven half-centuries and two centuries reiterated her ability to deliver explosive innings in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.
Her crowning achievement came on July 22, 2024, during the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup against Malaysia, where she scored an unbeaten 119* off just 69 balls—her career-best in T20Is. Her controlled aggression and strategic gameplay not only propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding position but also earned her yet another Player of the Match accolade.
As a bowler, Athapaththu claimed 29 wickets in 32 innings with an outstanding average of 19.51 and an economy of 6.20, including a memorable four-wicket haul against the West Indies on June 24, 2024. Her all-around skills helped make her a genuine threat in both batting and bowling departments, making her not just a player but a key contributor to her team’s success. Athapaththu’s 2024 season is truly the stuff of dreams and serves as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Kavisha Dilhari
Kavisha Dilhari shone bright during her developmental season, emerging as Sri Lanka’s top ODI bowler and embodying the promise of future success for women’s cricket on the island. At just 24, she showcased persistent brilliance with a remarkable haul of 22 wickets in 14 innings, coupled with an impressive average of 21.63 and economy rate of 5.10.
Her standout moment came on June 18, 2024, in a crucial ODI against the West Indies at Hambantota. When her team needed a spark, Dilhari rose to the occasion, achieving her career-best figures of 4 wickets for just 20 runs in 6 overs—a performance that dismantled the opposition and helped secure a memorable victory for Sri Lanka. Her contributions earned her the Player of the Match title, reinforcing her status as a rising star.
Dilhari’s performance extended into the T20I format, where she claimed 35 wickets in 37 innings at an impressive average of 19.60. Her contributions—especially one memorable four-wicket haul—ensured she remained a pivotal force in the team’s bowling strategy, showcasing the combination of determination and skill needed to shine under pressure.
Through her tireless efforts and consistency, Kavisha Dilhari has not only seized the title of Best ODI Bowler but has also signaled the arrival of a fresh leader in Sri Lanka’s bowling ranks. Her ability to rise to challenges and deliver at critical moments makes her a player to watch in the coming years. The future looks bright for Sri Lankan women’s cricket, bolstered by the inspiration and talent of both Athapaththu and Dilhari.
Image Source: Chamari Athapaththu @ Instagram
