On a remarkable Wednesday on April 17, the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, led by the formidable Chamari Athapaththu, etched their names in the history books by surpassing South Africa’s challenging score of 302 runs with six wickets to spare at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. This victory not only clinched the three-match ODI series to a 1-1 draw but also set a new pinnacle for the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI cricket history.
Before this groundbreaking day, the record was held by Australia, who had chased down 289 runs at the North Sydney Oval on December 14, 2012. This record held its breath for over a decade before Sri Lanka shattered it, highlighting a paradigm shift in the landscape of women’s cricket, where scores believed to be secure are being overtaken with increasing regularity.
The star of this exceptional game was undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu. At 34, she is no stranger to setting benchmarks, and during this match, she added a remarkable feather to her cap by scoring an unbeaten 195 from just 139 balls. This extraordinary innings, laden with 26 boundaries and five sixes, now stands as the third-highest individual score in the annals of women’s ODIs. It was a significant improvement over her previous best of 178*, scored against Australia in 2017.
Athapaththu’s innings was not just about large numbers, but it was a masterclass in ODI batting—mixing aggression with consistency, and completely dismantling the South African bowling attack. Her partnership with the other batters was crucial in chasing down such a mammoth total, demonstrating a perfect blend of tactical acumen and fearless cricket.
On the opposing end, Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, also left no stone unturned as she hammered a formidable 184* from 147 deliveries—the fifth highest in women’s ODI and her personal best in international cricket. Her innings was adorned with 23 fours and four sixes, and she was instrumental in propelling her team past the 300-run mark, which on any other day, would have been a winning total.
The historical significance of this match extends beyond personal milestones and record chases. It was a robust display of evolving skills and competition in women’s cricket, where the bar is continually being raised by phenomenal individual performances and strategic team play. Moreover, the match had added stakes as it was crucial for accumulating points for the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 standings. With this win, Sri Lanka moved up to the seventh position, keeping alive their hopes for direct qualification to the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, where the top five from the championship and the host India will secure spots automatically.
This series-decider was not just about cricket but was a portrayal of grit and determination, qualities that define champions. As the cheers in the Sri Lanka dugout grew louder with each run closer to the target, it was clear that this wasn’t just another win; it was a testament to the relentless spirit and rising standards of women’s cricket globally. For the South African team, this game was a tough pill to swallow but also a reminder of the thin margins between victory and defeat in the sport. Such a high-scoring thriller also emphasizes the growth and increasing competitiveness in women’s cricket, promising much anticipation and excitement for future encounters between these spirited teams.