In a significant boost to their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, several key players from the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team have achieved career-best rankings in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings. This impressive rise in rankings follows their dominant performance in the third ODI against Ireland, where they clinched an eight-wicket victory in Belfast.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu was the standout performer, contributing 48 runs and taking three wickets. Her all-round display not only led her team to victory but also improved her standing in all three ranking categories. Chamari gained six rating points, solidifying her fourth place in the ODI batting rankings and narrowing the gap with top-ranked Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Harshitha Samarawickrama also made significant strides, climbing 15 places to reach 29th in the ODI batting rankings after an unbeaten 48 against Ireland, marking a career-high position. Meanwhile, veteran bowler Achini Kulasuriya reached her highest-ever rating, moving up eight spots to 36th in the ODI bowling rankings after claiming three wickets in the same match.
Chamari’s outstanding performance was further highlighted as she moved up eight places to 51st in the ODI bowling rankings. Teammates Inoshi Fernando and Sachini Nisansala also advanced significantly, breaking into the top 100 after strong showings during the Ireland tour.
In the all-rounder rankings, Athapaththu climbed two places to seventh, while Kavisha Dilhari advanced one spot to 16th. Ireland, despite losing the final match to Sri Lanka, won the series 2-1. Arlene Kelly, named Player of the Series, made notable contributions with 49 runs and five wickets across the three matches, which boosted her to 86th in the ODI batting rankings, an improvement of 12 places.
These ranking improvements provide Sri Lanka with much-needed confidence and momentum as they prepare for the Women’s T20 World Cup. With their dominant performance against Ireland and career-best rankings, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the tournament.
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