Chamari Athapaththu Sets High Ambitions for T20 World Cup
Following her remarkable 195* run that led her team to the highest successful run-chase in women’s ODIs, Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, has set ambitious goals for her team at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Before reaching Bangladesh for the grand event, Sri Lanka faces a challenge. They will participate in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in UAE starting April 25, and they need to be among the finalists to qualify for the main event.
Related: Athapaththu’s Special Performance Powers Sri Lanka to Record Run-Chase
Athapaththu’s high aspirations remain undeterred. “I want to see my team in the semi-finals of the World Cup,” she expressed after her outstanding performance in a series-levelling victory against South Africa.
Athapaththu, who has already guided the team to a historic T20I series victory in South Africa as Sri Lanka prepared for the Qualifiers in UAE, has achieved several personal and team milestones in recent years.
However, the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 is now focused on making a significant impact in the T20 World Cup. “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 stated.
“I want to see my team in the semi-final of this World Cup. That’s my wish.”
Sri Lanka is 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 acknowledged.
“Every team is really good and every game is really important for us. We will focus on one game at a time.”
The seasoned Sri Lankan player also hinted at considering retirement in the near future.
“My retirement is very soon,” she revealed. “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.”