Chamari Athapaththu Sets Sights on World Cup Semis, Eyes on the Future

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Fire in her eyes and a burning dream in her heart, Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu sets her sights on the World Cup semi-finals, all while nurturing a new generation of stars ready to claim their own glory on the international stage.

Sri Lanka's World Cup dreams remain unfulfilled, but their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, isn't letting that dampen her spirits.

Despite missing out on automatic qualification, Athapaththu has set a bold goal for her team: reaching the semifinals of the upcoming World Cup.

She added "I've worked so hard in the last 15 years and I've achieved a few things as a player but as a captain, I want to do more. I want to see my team in the semi-final of this World Cup. That's my wish."

Her ambition isn't unfounded. Over the last year, Sri Lanka has tamed tigers like Bangladesh, outwitted the English on their home turf, and even challenged the mighty South Africans.

Victories in T20I series and a silver medal at the Asian Games stand as testaments to their rising prowess.

The road ahead won't be a walk in the park. Every match is crucial, and every opponent a formidable foe. But Athapaththu, a seasoned campaigner, knows the value of focus. "We'll take it one battle at a time," she asserted, outlining a clear strategy.

While guiding her team towards World Cup glory, Athapaththu casts a watchful eye on the future.

With retirement on the horizon, she sees her legacy not just in trophies, but in the young players she's empowered.

She said, "My retirement is very soon, I can't mention dates, but very soon. For now, I'm always looking after the young girls. I've built a young team. I want to see these young girls in the World Cup one day."

Chamari Athapaththu isn't just a name in Sri Lankan cricket, it's a force of nature.

As the current captain of the T20I team, she's not only a powerhouse batter with a record-breaking 178 not out in the World Cup, but also a pioneer.

The first Sri Lankan woman to play in franchise cricket, Athapaththu shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Her leadership extends beyond the scoreboard, as she mentors young talent, ensuring Sri Lankan women's cricket thrives long after her.

With her sights set on the upcoming World Cup semifinals, Athapaththu is a captain with ambition burning bright, a leader ready to write the next chapter in Sri Lankan cricketing history.