The team’s impressive rise in the rankings follows their dominant performance in the third ODI against Ireland.

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team

Several key players from Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team have achieved career-best rankings in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings, delivering a significant boost to the team’s morale ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. This impressive rise in rankings comes in the wake of Sri Lanka’s dominant performance in the third ODI against Ireland, where they secured an eight-wicket victory in Belfast, showcasing their strength and skill on the international stage.

The standout performer in the match was Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, whose all-round brilliance played a crucial role in the team’s victory. Athapaththu contributed significantly with both bat and ball, scoring 48 runs and taking three wickets. Her exceptional performance not only led her team to a commanding win but also resulted in notable improvements in her ICC rankings across all three categories.

Athapaththu’s contribution earned her six rating points, boosting her position to fourth place in the ODI batting rankings. This achievement narrows the gap between her and the top-ranked player, Nat Sciver-Brunt, highlighting Athapaththu’s growing impact in women’s international cricket. In addition to her batting ranking, Athapaththu also made strides in the bowling rankings, moving up eight places to 51st position. Her all-round performance underscores her versatility and value to the Sri Lankan squad as they approach the T20 World Cup.

Harshitha Samarawickrama also made significant progress in the latest rankings, climbing 15 places to reach 29th position in the ODI batting rankings. Samarawickrama’s rise is attributed to her unbeaten 48 runs against Ireland, which marks a career-high position for the young player. Her improvement in the rankings reflects her growing prominence in the international cricket arena and her potential to make a significant impact in upcoming tournaments.

Veteran bowler Achini Kulasuriya achieved her highest-ever rating, moving up eight spots to 36th in the ODI bowling rankings. Kulasuriya’s elevation is a result of her impressive performance in the third ODI, where she claimed three crucial wickets, demonstrating her skill and experience in the bowling department. Her improved ranking adds depth to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack as they prepare for future challenges.

In addition to the standout performances of Athapaththu, Samarawickrama, and Kulasuriya, other players such as Inoshi Fernando and Sachini Nisansala also made notable advancements. Both players broke into the top 100 rankings after strong performances during the Ireland tour, contributing to the overall success of the team and their rising profiles in international cricket.

In the all-rounder rankings, Chamari Athapaththu climbed two places to seventh, further solidifying her status as one of the top all-rounders in women’s cricket. Kavisha Dilhari also made progress, advancing one spot to 16th in the all-rounder rankings. These advancements reflect the players’ contributions across both batting and bowling, underscoring their importance to the team’s success.

Despite Sri Lanka’s victory in the final ODI, Ireland won the series 2-1. Arlene Kelly, who was named Player of the Series, made significant contributions with both bat and ball. Kelly’s performance, including 49 runs and five wickets across the three matches, propelled her to 86th place in the ODI batting rankings, an improvement of 12 places. Her all-round capabilities were crucial for Ireland’s series win and highlighted her role as a key player for her team.

The recent ranking improvements provide Sri Lanka with much-needed confidence and momentum as they set their sights on the Women’s T20 World Cup. The team’s rising stars and experienced players alike are demonstrating their readiness and capability to compete at the highest levels, bringing optimism to Sri Lankan cricket fans as the tournament approaches. The blend of experienced performers and emerging talent positions Sri Lanka as a competitive force in women’s cricket, poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming World Cup.