Chamari Athapaththu has once again etched her name in the annals of cricket history. During a high-stakes ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against Bangladesh, the Sri Lankan captain became the first woman from her nation to amass 4,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) .
Chamari Athapaththu’s Historic 4,000 ODI Runs Milestone
This landmark achievement isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a watershed moment for Sri Lankan women’s cricket. Athapaththu now joins an elite global club of only 20 female batters to reach this feat, and she stands as just the fourth Asian woman to do so . Her consistency and leadership continue to inspire a generation of young cricketers across the island nation.
What makes this milestone even more remarkable is the context: a must-win World Cup match where every run counted. With Australia, South Africa, and England already booked for the semi-finals, Sri Lanka’s path to qualification hinges on victories like this one .
How Chamari Stacks Up Against Sri Lankan Greats
Athapaththu isn’t just leading—she’s miles ahead. The next highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in women’s ODIs is Shashikala Siriwardene, with 2,029 runs—less than half of Chamari’s current tally . This staggering gap underscores her dominance and longevity at the top.
Asian Batters in the 4,000-Run Club
Chamari’s entry into the 4,000-run club places her among Asia’s finest. She follows in the footsteps of legends like Mithali Raj and Suzie Bates (who played for New Zealand but was born in India), and joins contemporaries like Harmanpreet Kaur . Her presence on this list reaffirms Sri Lanka’s growing influence in women’s cricket.
What This Means for Sri Lanka’s World Cup Hopes
Beyond the record, Athapaththu’s performance is critical for Sri Lanka’s survival in the tournament. With semi-final spots already claimed by three powerhouses, the pressure is immense. Every innings from their captain could be the difference between elimination and a historic playoff berth .
Key Stats at a Glance
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Sri Lankan woman to 4,000 ODI runs | ✅ Achieved vs Bangladesh, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 |
| Global rank among women | 20th batter overall |
| Asian peers in 4K club | 4th, alongside Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, and others |
| Next best Sri Lankan | Shashikala Siriwardene – 2,029 runs |
The Road Ahead for Chamari and Sri Lanka
At 35, Athapaththu shows no signs of slowing down. Her blend of aggressive strokeplay and tactical maturity makes her indispensable. As Sri Lanka fights for a semi-final spot, all eyes will be on their captain—not just to score runs, but to carry a nation’s hopes on her shoulders.
For fans and analysts alike, Chamari’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. From early struggles to global recognition, she embodies the spirit of modern Sri Lankan cricket.