Chamari Athapaththu becomes Women's T20 Asia Cup's first-ever centurion

Sri Lanka women’s cricketer Chamari Athapaththu has become the first-ever batter to smash a ton in the Women’s T20I Asia Cup. She achieved this feat in Match 7 of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 against Malaysia women. She opened the innings and remained unbeaten on 119 off 69, lacing her knock with 14 boundaries and seven maximums, with her runs coming at a strike rate of 172.46. Thanks to her innings, Sri Lanka posted a daunting target of 185. 

Chamari surpassed former India captain Mithali Raj’s record for the highest individual score in Asia Cup, an unbeaten 97 runs against Malaysia in 2018. The Sri Lanka captain became the first player from the full-member nation to score multiple centuries in a calendar year as she scored her third century with the latest ton against Malaysia.

Here’s the moment of Chamari’s feat:

Sri Lanka bowlers dismantle Malaysia batter's defence

Harshitha Madavi and Anushka Sanjeewani scored 26 and 31 respectively even as Vishmi Gunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari failed to contribute with one and zero runs respectively.

While chasing, Malaysia women kneeled in front of lethal bowling by Sri Lanka as they were brought down and were reeling with 37 runs on the board, losing seven wickets in 15.3 overs. 

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In their previous game, Sri Lanka outclassed Bangladesh by seven wickets to win their first game of the tournament. A win against Malaysia will see them setting one foot in the playoffs owing to their superior Net Run Rate. Their third game will be against Thailand, who have defeated Malaysia in the first game and Sri Lanka will be aiming to solidify their playoff spot with consecutive victories.