Atapattu helps Thunder thrash Renegades

Chamari Atapattu blasted the Sydney Thunder to a second straight win to start their Women’s Big Bash League season, beating the Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets at the Sydney Cricket Central yesterday.

In a thoroughly one-sided affair, Atapattu hit 80 from 54 balls as the Thunder chased down the Renegades' 147 for five with 15 balls to spare.

Her innings came as part of a 99-run opening stand with Tahlia Wilson, who hit 28 before she was bowled by Georgia Wareham.

Only called into the squad late as an overseas replacement player, Atapattu has been instrumental in the Thunder's opening two wins.

The Sri Lankan hit 52 and took three for 20 against the Sydney Sixers on Sunday, before continuing that dominant form on Thursday against her former club.

Atapattu smashed 13 fours and two sixes in her knock, dispatching the Renegades to all parts of the ground to completely seize control of the match.

She brought up her half century with a big six down the ground off Ella Hayward, after hitting the spinner for three boundaries earlier in the over.

Athapaththu had earlier also claimed the key wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur, when the Indian superstar was caught behind for 11.

Chief scores:

• Melbourne Renegades: 147/5 in 20 overs (Tammy Beaumont 23, Courtney Webb 31, Georgia Wareham 47)
• Sydney Thunder: 151/2 in 17.3 overs (Tahlia Wilson 28, Chamari Atapattu 80, Georgia Wareham 2/23) Agencies