Chamari Athapaththu Makes History: First Sri Lankan Woman to Play 150 T20Is

Chamari Athapaththu Creates History — First Sri Lankan Woman to Play 150 T20 Internationals

Chamari Athapaththu, the iconic captain of the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team, has etched her name into the record books once again. On 28 December 2025, during the fourth T20I against India Women in Thiruvananthapuram (India), Athapaththu became the first Sri Lankan woman cricketer to play 150 T20 International matches — a remarkable testament to her longevity, leadership and consistency in global cricket.

The veteran all-rounder achieved this landmark during the 4th T20I against India at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Despite the milestone coming in a challenging series for the visitors, Athapaththu’s longevity and consistent performance remain a beacon for Sri Lankan cricket.

A Trailblazer for Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket

Since making her international debut as a teenager, Chamari Athapaththu has been the centerpiece of Sri Lanka’s batting and an inspiration to a generation of cricketers. Over her career, she has showcased immense talent, adaptability, and resilience across formats — particularly in T20 cricket where she’s now written history.

This milestone — 150 appearances in T20Is — underscores Athapaththu’s role not just as a prolific batter but also as a leader who has carried the hopes of Sri Lanka’s women’s team for well over a decade.

Career Stats & Achievements (As of 28 Dec 2025)

Here’s a look at some of Athapaththu’s key career numbers that underline her incredible contribution in T20 Internationals:

Batting Achievements (T20I)

• Matches Played: 150 (First Sri Lankan woman)

• Runs Scored: 3,507 runs

• Batting Average: ~25.23

• Strike Rate: ~109.97

• Centuries: 3 centuries

• Half-Centuries: 13 fifties

Bowling Achievements (T20I)

• Wickets Taken: 63

• Bowling Average: ~25.73

• Economy Rate: ~6.62

• Best Bowling Figures: Four-wicket haul

Key Career Achievements

• Triple Centurion: She is the only Sri Lankan woman to score three T20I centuries.

• Malinga-esque Feat: In October 2025, she became the second Sri Lankan (after Lasith Malinga) to take 4 wickets in 4 balls during the Women’s World Cup.

• Standard Bearer: She holds the record for the highest individual score for Sri Lanka in both ODIs (195*) and T20Is (119).

These figures reflect her all-round capabilities — a rare quality in modern women’s cricket that adds immense value to her team.

Beyond the Numbers — Leadership and Legacy

Athapaththu’s career goes well beyond statistics. She has captained Sri Lanka in key global tournaments, including the Women’s T20 World Cups and bilateral series across continents. Her leadership and aggressive batting style have often been pivotal in Sri Lanka’s memorable victories.

Her ability to contribute with the ball has also made her a genuine all-round threat, helping her team in crucial moments.

What This Milestone Means

Playing 150 T20Is is a benchmark of durability, consistency, and excellence in a format that’s physically demanding and highly competitive. Athapaththu’s achievement places her among an elite group of women cricketers worldwide who have reached similar longevity — and sets a new benchmark for Sri Lankan women’s cricket.

As women’s cricket continues to grow internationally, athletes like Chamari Athapaththu inspire emerging cricketers from associate nations and full members alike — proving that talent combined with dedication can rewrite history.