After going unpicked within the preliminary draft of the Women’s Big Bash League’s 2023 season, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu has confirmed naysayers improper with an all-round present for the Sydney Thunder.
Stepping in for an unwell Marizanne Kapp, Athapaththu made the a lot of the alternative a 39-ball 52 and three wickets as Thunder beat Syndey Sixers within the WBBL.
“The WBBL is one of the biggest franchise tournaments in the world. Lot of Asian players want to come here for the exposure,” Athapaththu mentioned after a convincing Thunder debut.
The Sri Lankan veteran isn’t any stranger to Aussie shores. She has plied her commerce in seasons previous with Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers and hopes to seek out success together with her new facet.
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“This is my new team, my new home, my new family. Happy to be here and I am motivated to do my best for the side. Hopefully, I can contribute to Thunder winning the WBBL,” she mentioned, crossing her fingers.
Athapaththu’s efficiency offers Thunder, a range headache however she is completely satisfied to be there soaking within the expertise of taking part in alongside confirmed worldwide stars like Heather Knight and Marizanne Kapp.
The explosive Sri Lankan opener didn’t discover takers within the inaugural version of the Women’s Premier League held in India earlier this yr however will not be dwelling on missed possibilities.
“These things are not in my hands. I don’t care about the money. I am just focussing on making best use of the opportunities that come my way,” she added. She hopes the identical extends to different promising abilities developing in Lankan cricket.
“Over the last few months, I’ve been in good form and the team has seen some positives results. We beat England in England, we beat New Zealand in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh i in SL and had a good Asian Games as well, having come away with a silver. I like leading from the front as a captain. I am glad I have a chance to continue that form here with Sydney Thunder in the WBBL,” Athapaththu mentioned.
“Sri Lankan girls want to play but they need opportunities. We are no longer a one-player side. So many players of potential are filling up the side now. Kavisha Dilhari, Harshita Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, and a number of seniors are all stepping up with their performances. They just need opportunities. SLC is still discussing conducting a T10 League in December. I hope it gives my girls the opportunity they need,” she added.
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
