The stakes were incredibly high in Abu Dhabi, as the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 qualifiers concluded with a flourish that saw Sri Lanka securing a berth in what is popularly considered the ‘group of death’. The formidable Group A now consists of cricketing powerhouses Australia, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, with Sri Lanka as the latest addition following their emphatic triumph in the qualifiers. This thrilling inclusion came on the back of a stunning performance in the final, where skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s masterclass led her team to victory.
The Scottish team arrived in the final match with high spirits, having made an impressive chase against Ireland in the semi-final that sealed their own qualification. They aspired to avenge their sole loss in the tournament before the faceoff against Sri Lanka. However, Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s indomitable captain, shattered their hopes with an extraordinary display of batting prowess. Her second T20I hundred, which is the first century by a woman in a T20I knockout match, was a true spectacle for the sport lovers gathered on May 7.
Athapaththu’s innings, a remarkable 102 runs off just 63 balls, was indeed a pivotal moment that redefined the outcome of the match. The rest of the Sri Lankan squad managed a collective score of 58 runs off 57 balls, excluding extras. This scoring, alongside the skipper’s epoch-making century, reflected the staggering difference in Athapaththu’s skill level when compared to her teammates – dominating the pitch with unparalleled zeal.
The opening phase witnessed Sri Lanka losing both their openers during the powerplay, pushing Athapaththu to drop her guard and take charge. Following the loss of Kavisha Dilhari right after the powerplay, Athapaththu, together with Nilakshika Silva, commenced a phased process of rebuilding the innings. Once the foundation had been reset, Athapaththu unleashed her aggression, with Silva playing a supporting role in giving her the strike.
The captain reached her fifty in a composed 40 balls; however, the following fifty came in a dazzling 20 balls, exhibiting her intent and skill in a rapid surge, deflating the Scottish bowlers’ confidence as they struggled to contain her. Although Athapaththu departed shortly after reaching her century, her effort took Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 169.
Challenged with a lofty target, the Scottish side needed resilience and tactical ingenuity. Priyanaz Chatterji did provide some resistance with a worthy 30 runs but found little support as the rest of the lineup crumbled against Sri Lanka’s veteran bowler Udeshika Prabodhani, who led an effective bowling assault. Scotland sorely missed the leadership and performance of Kathryn Bryce, their captain, and despite a few late cameos, the target of 170 proved insurmountable.
Now with the qualifiers set in stone, Scotland finds themselves placed in Group B amid other strong contenders, such as England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and West Indies. The eyes of cricket enthusiasts around the globe turn towards Bangladesh, the host nation for the Women’s T20 World Cup, which commences on October 3 and concludes with the grand finale on October 20.
As teams strategize and players prepare for the upcoming showdown, it is clear that performances like Athapaththu’s are more than just personal triumphs – they inspire nations and highlight the growing stature and competitiveness of women’s cricket on the international stage.
