The Sri Lankan women’s cricket team created history after securing their first-ever series win over England in any format. The island nation clinched the series 2-1 after a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Heather Knight’s side in the third T20I. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu played a crucial role, displaying her experience once again.
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Athapaththu picked up three crucial wickets, helping restrict England to a mere 116 runs. Then, during the chase, she displayed her batting prowess by contributing a brilliant 44 runs from just 28 deliveries. In the end, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target with three overs to spare.
A special victory for Sri Lanka to end our international Vitality IT20 Summer 🤝#EnglandCricket #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/a5Gadx0EyO
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2023
Athapaththu was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for her exceptional all-round performances. Across the three matches, the Sri Lankan captain scored a total of 114 runs and took five wickets.
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Besides her match winning contributions, her teammates also played a vital role in the series decider. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Inoshi Priyadharshani (1/15), removed key England batsmen, including Danni Wyatt, early in the match. Udeshika Prabodhani (2/16) and Kavisha Dilhari (2/16) also made significant contributions as England was dismissed in the final over of the innings.
In response, Athapaththu set a brisk pace, maintaining Sri Lanka’s control over the match. Harshitha Samarawickrama (26*) provided valuable support, helping guide the team to a comfortable victory.
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The two teams will now shift their focus to a three-game ODI series, with the first match scheduled to begin at Chester-le-Street on Saturday.
