Chamari Athapaththu Cleans Up Hannah Rowe With A Beauty In CD Vs ND Clash At Women’s Super Smash 2024-25

In a performance that demonstrated the true meaning of all-round excellence, Sri Lankan cricketer Chamari Athapaththu played a pivotal role in Northern Districts’ resounding victory against Central Districts in the eighth match of the Women’s Super Smash 2024-25 at Seddon Park. From an exceptional spell of bowling to a match-winning knock with the bat, Athapaththu’s influence was felt at every stage of the game, propelling her team to a comprehensive victory.

Central Districts Opt to Bat First, But Athapaththu Dismantles Their Batting Line-Up

Central Districts won the toss and made the decision to bat first, a choice that quickly backfired against Northern Districts’ dominant bowling attack. The pitch at Seddon Park provided ample assistance to the bowlers, and Athapaththu, in particular, made the most of it.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder was unstoppable, taking the game completely away from the opposition with her brilliant performance with the ball.

A Clinical Bowling Display by Athapaththu

Central Districts’ batting line-up never stood a chance against the fiery spell bowled by Athapaththu, who finished with figures of 4 wickets for 16 runs from her 4-over spell, including a maiden. Her spell was a perfect demonstration of how to apply pressure and execute plans under challenging conditions, and it was clear that the opposition had no answers to her precise, skillful bowling.

Her performance was particularly outstanding because she dismantled Central Districts’ top-order, leaving the batting side in complete disarray. After having already removed Thamsyn Newton for just 4 runs, Athapaththu returned to claim a brilliant scalp in Hannah Rowe.

A Peach of a Delivery to Dismiss Rowe

In the fifth over of the innings, Athapaththu bowled a classic off-spin delivery that was simply too good for Rowe. Pitched on middle stump, the ball broke in sharply and uprooted the stumps after Rowe attempted to play it on the onside. There was a slight misjudgment from Rowe, who failed to get her bat in line with the ball, and it was this lapse in technique that resulted in her dismissal for a duck. The quality of the delivery left no room for Rowe to escape, and Athapaththu’s celebration said it all—a key moment that turned the game in Northern Districts’ favour.

Athapaththu’s ability to extract movement from the pitch, combined with her sharp line and length, made her an irresistible force in this match, as Central Districts were soon reeling at 80 for 5.

Hollie Armitage’s Resilient Knock in a Failing Innings

While Northern Districts were dominating with the ball, Hollie Armitage emerged as a lone warrior for Central Districts, holding her side together with a well-crafted 61 runs off 48 balls. Armitage’s knock included five boundaries, and she was the only batter to provide any resistance against the relentless pressure from Athapaththu and the rest of the Northern Districts bowlers.

Armitage’s innings was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance from Central Districts, as the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Her defiance at the crease ensured that Central Districts at least posted a modest total, finishing their innings for just 112 runs in 18.4 overs.

While Armitage’s efforts were commendable, it was clear that her individual performance was not going to be enough to secure a victory for her team, especially with such a low target on the horizon.

Northern Districts’ Commanding Chase Led by Athapaththu and Jess Watkin

With just 113 runs to chase, Northern Districts approached the task with confidence. The target seemed a mere formality, and the team quickly got to work, capitalizing on the pressure already built by their bowlers.

Watkin’s Quick Fire Half-Century

Jess Watkin, the Northern Districts captain, played an instrumental role in the chase. Watkin finished unbeaten on a quick-fire 51 runs off 32 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Her attacking style set the tone for the chase, and she showcased excellent shot selection throughout, steering her team towards victory with ease.

Watkin’s steady approach allowed her to pace the innings beautifully, not allowing any pressure to build, and her ability to keep the scoreboard ticking was a crucial factor in Northern Districts’ ability to finish the chase in just 12.4 overs.

Athapaththu’s Vital Contribution with the Bat

While Watkin played a captain’s knock, Chamari Athapaththu was just as instrumental in the chase, contributing 45 runs from 32 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. Her approach was a perfect balance between caution and aggression, as she looked in complete control of the chase.

Athapaththu’s all-round performance was a testament to her versatility, and her presence at the crease further eased the pressure on Watkin. The two combined to see Northern Districts home with nine wickets in hand, securing a dominant victory that was never in doubt after Central Districts’ early collapse.

Athapaththu Named Player of the Match

Unsurprisingly, Chamari Athapaththu was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance. Her 4-wicket haul with the ball had set the foundation for victory, and her 45-run contribution with the bat ensured that the chase was completed with ease.

Athapaththu’s performance was the perfect example of a captain leading from the front, taking charge with both bat and ball and guiding her team to an emphatic win. The Northern Districts camp will undoubtedly be thrilled with the all-round performance, and Athapaththu’s leadership will be crucial as the team moves forward in the competition.

A Dominant All-Round Performance from Athapaththu

Chamari Athapaththu’s performance in this match was nothing short of spectacular. Her outstanding bowling display, including a memorable dismissal of Hannah Rowe, followed by a composed and aggressive knock with the bat, made her the standout performer of the match.

Her ability to perform in both departments showcased her value to the team, and her all-round brilliance will be pivotal as Northern Districts look to build on this commanding victory. Meanwhile, Central Districts will need to regroup and reassess their approach as they seek to bounce back in the competition.

For now, however, it’s Athapaththu’s moment in the spotlight as she led Northern Districts to a comprehensive win, further cementing her place as one of the most formidable all-rounders in women’s cricket today.

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