It’s still a queendom, but Sri Lanka are more than just Athapaththu now

The 2024 Asia Cup marked a turning point for the young Sri Lanka cricket team. Until then, Chamari Athapaththu had been the primary architect of their international success. However, their collective ability to compete against elite teams was lacking until this watershed event. Athapaththu's departure after a career-defining year left the team to navigate a challenging path forward.

In 2024, the team experienced a winless group stage exit at the T20 World Cup, followed by a barren 2025 without any series wins. Ultimately, head coach Rumesh Ratnayake was let go at the year's end.

At 36 years old, with imminent retirement, Athapaththu might have believed her best days were behind her. However, women's cricket has demonstrated that traditional career trajectories may not always apply. In 2026, Athapaththu has shown her continued strength, scoring 476 runs at an impressive strike rate of 143.80. Her younger teammates have also contributed significantly, with Imesha Dulani becoming the first Sri Lankan woman outside Athapaththu's name to score a T20I century, while Vishmi Gunerathne and Harshitha Samarawickrema have also delivered vital centuries.

Athapaththu's presence has been vital to the team in recent years. Her absence led to a shift in Sri Lanka Cricket's annual awards, with Samarawickrama winning in her stead, while Dulani, Gunaratne, and Hasini Perera all compete for top-order positions. Under Jamie Siddons, the team has adopted a more aggressive style of play, with boundary-hitting becoming more prominent. This transformation has led to the team's newfound belief and competitive spirit, potentially paving the way for an Asia Cup title in the future.