The T20I series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka women ended in a 1-1 draw after a washout at the University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday, March 18. But Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, made history. She became only the third female captain to lead her team in 100 T20Is. After the coin toss, Suzie Bates, the White Ferns captain, awarded Athapaththu a special cap to celebrate her joining the special list.
Athapaththu is now in the company of Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning, who have also captained their national teams in 100 or more T20Is. Harmanpreet has captained in 123 matches. Athapaththu equaled Lanning and could overtake the retired Australian legend.
Most matches as captain in women’s T20Is
Harmanpreet Kaur (India) – 123 (2012-2024)
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka) – 100* (2014-2025)
Meg Lanning (Australia) – 100 (2014-2023).
The game was cut short to just over 14 overs, with New Zealand at 101/3. Rain stopped play an hour after it started and wouldn’t let up, ending any chance of continuing the game. The weather got better later, so the men’s game between New Zealand and Pakistan could move forward. It was shortened to 15 overs per side but had a result.
Sri Lanka won the first game with good performances from captain Athapaththu and newcomer Madara. The White Ferns bounced back to tie the series in the second T20I in Christchurch, leading to a final match. New Zealand already won the ODI series 2-0, but Sri Lanka put up a good fight in the T20Is. They hope this will help them for the ODI World Cup later this year in India.
Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu, the White Ferns’ key players, will be back for the three T20Is against Australia.