Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

19 April 2024 11:38 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

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(ICC) - After record knock in Potchefstroom, Sri Lankan captain reveals ambitions for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Fresh off a stunning 195* that powered her team to the highest successful run-chase in women's ODIs, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has set high expectations for her team at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

Sri Lanka have a hurdle before they reach Bangladesh for the mega event – they will play the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in UAE beginning April 25, and will need to be one of the finalists to qualify for the main event.

However, that isn't stopping Athpaththu from aiming high. "I want to see my team in the semi-finals of the World Cup," she said after her brilliant knock in a series-levelling win against South Africa.

Athapaththu, who had already led the team to a historic T20I series win in South Africa as Sri Lanka warmed up for the Qualifiers in UAE, has ticked off several personal and team milestones in recent years.

But the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 has her eyes set on going long in the T20 World Cup now. "I've worked so hard in the last 15 years, and I've achieved a few things as a player but as a captain, I want to do more," she said.

"I want to see my team in the semi-final of this World Cup. That's my wish."

Sri Lanka are in Group A of the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier with Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and the USA being the other teams.

"I know it is a very big task for us," Athapaththu said.

"Every team is really good and every game is really important for us. We will focus on one game at a time."

The veteran Sri Lankan player also revealed that she was considering retirement in the near future.

"My retirement is very soon," she said. "I can't mention dates, but very soon. For now, I'm always looking after the young girls. I've built a young team. I want to see these young girls in the World Cup one day.

"As a captain, I am really proud of my young girls and they are playing really good cricket. I sacrificed a lot of things for Sri Lankan cricket in the last 15 years. I am happy to lead this team. I am a really, really proud captain.

"I hope my girls play really good cricket in future as well. I hope my team can play their best cricket at the T20 World Cup."

Comments - 6

Ram Friday, 19 April 2024 11:59 AM

Chamari, you are a star, you with your team members will do wonders in time to come. Good luck to you and all the team members

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Calvin Cooray Friday, 19 April 2024 12:09 PM

Congratulation on on the historic win and your superb personal performance. All the best wishes for the T20 World Cup. I am confident it is within your reach.

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Suren Friday, 19 April 2024 02:26 PM

No doubt the team has improved a lately. However, the other team members should raise their game a little bit more as at the moment the team is heavily dependent on Chamari. If we are to reach the semis in the world cup, the other batters in particular should also perform consistently.

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Citizen k Friday, 19 April 2024 03:03 PM

What an achievement.Hope there will be more to come.

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Lucky Friday, 19 April 2024 06:24 PM

Well done , and all the best for your future ambitions. With your set targets you should get there before you retire. Fantastic cricket Chamari, go for it win the world cup ! you have done your Country proud !

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wsw Saturday, 20 April 2024 10:15 AM

All the best Chamari, we are all very proud of your achievements, wishing you all the best in your future ambitions after cricket.

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