WBBL 2023: Character shines through as Athapaththu bags POTT after draft snub

Chamari Athapaththu stormed into Australia with a mission, one that's now accomplished as she clinched the Weber WBBL 09 Player of the Tournament title. The Sydney Thunder recruit edged out Katie Mack from Adelaide Strikers in a tight race, securing victory by a mere single vote. Umpires, in a 3-2-1 voting format per match, sealed her triumph.

Hitting an impressive 511 runs at 42.58, Athapaththu stood second in the runs chart, displaying a strike rate of 129.69. A player initially overlooked in the overseas player draft, she silenced doubters with a phenomenal performance that included snatching nine wickets and maintaining an economy rate of 6.79. It's a stark contrast to previous snubs in the WPL and The Hundred tournaments.

Initially a last-minute addition to WBBL 09, she capitalised on the opportunity when Marizanne Kapp fell ill, securing her place in the Thunder line-up. Lauren Bell drafted later, found herself sidelined due to the Sri Lankan all-rounder's standout display. Brisbane Heat's versatile player, Charli Knott, has earned the title of WBBL 09 Young Gun following a remarkable season displaying prowess both with the bat and ball.

POTT title comes amidst Athapaththu’s previous lacklustre stays in WBBL

Although a dominant force in international cricket with nine centuries to her name, the 33-year-old hadn't quite replicated that success in the WBBL. With only two half-centuries in 34 innings before this season, she averaged a mere 18 with a strike rate of 95. However, riding high on confidence from a stellar year in international cricket she unleashed her best in WBBL 09.

Her monumental performances, especially the twin unbeaten tons that steered Sri Lanka to their inaugural ODI series victory against New Zealand in July, set the stage. And then, leading the run charts in a historic T20I series win against England in September, she found her stride in the WBBL, showcasing the true extent of her prowess. Confidence and form from her international triumphs proved to be the catalyst, finally unlocking her immense potential in the WBBL.