UP Warriorz Brings Chamari Athapaththu | Replace Lauren Bell
In a surprising turn of events for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL), UP Warriorz have announced the inclusion of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu as a replacement for Lauren Bell. This move comes after Bell expressed her intention to prioritize preparation for the upcoming series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence just after the WPL final. Additionally, England skipper Heather Knight has also withdrawn from the WPL, prompting Royal Challengers Bangalore to enlist South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk as her replacement.
Prioritizing National Duty
Bell’s decision to focus on gearing up for the New Zealand series underscores the dilemma faced by players when club commitments clash with international duties. With England Women’s first game against New Zealand scheduled shortly after the WPL final, Bell’s withdrawal allows her to concentrate fully on the crucial series ahead. This move aligns with England Cricket Board’s (ECB) statement emphasizing the significance of Knight’s participation in the entire international tour while facilitating the franchise to secure a suitable replacement for the WPL campaign.
Athapaththu’s Perspective
Expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunity, Athapaththu conveyed her eagerness to contribute to the team’s success alongside head coach Jon Lewis and captain Alyssa Healy. Acknowledging the competitive nature of the WPL, Athapaththu looks forward to bolstering UP Warriorz, recognizing the squad’s strength and potential to clinch the coveted title.
Athapaththu’s Stellar Performance
Despite going unsold during the WPL 2024 auction, Athapaththu’s inclusion comes as no surprise given her remarkable performance in the T20 format in the previous year. With an impressive tally of 470 runs in 16 T20Is at an average of 31.33 and a strike rate of nearly 131, Athapaththu’s prowess with both bat and ball makes her a valuable asset for any team. Her leadership skills were evident as she led Sri Lanka to a historic series win over England, emerging as the top scorer and joint-leading wicket-taker.
For her initial fee of INR 30 lakh, she has been signed.
She also set a personal record in Women’s T20Is with her 15 sixes this year.
Domination in Domestic Leagues
Athapaththu’s dominance extended beyond international cricket as she showcased her talent in domestic T20 leagues. Notably, her stint with Sydney Thunder in the WBBL saw her finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 552 runs and contributing significantly with the ball. Her recent performance in the Women’s Super Smash further solidifies her reputation as a formidable all-rounder, underscoring her ability to excel across different cricketing arenas.
Warriorz’s Potential Opening Pair
Athapaththu’s arrival at Warriorz sets the stage for a potentially explosive opening partnership alongside Alyssa Healy. The combination of their batting prowess and experience could prove instrumental in Warriorz’s quest for WPL glory. With the tournament scheduled from February 23 to March 17, fans can anticipate thrilling displays of cricketing excellence as teams vie for supremacy in Bengaluru and Delhi.
Nadine de Klerk: RCB’s Replacement for Heather Knight
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore have enlisted South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk as a replacement for Heather Knight. With 46 T20Is under her belt, de Klerk brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having showcased her talent in various T20 leagues worldwide. Currently representing South Africa in the T20I series against Australia, de Klerk’s inclusion adds depth and versatility to RCB’s lineup, enhancing their prospects in the upcoming WPL season.
Final Word:
In conclusion, the inclusion of Chamari Athapaththu and Nadine de Klerk injects fresh vigor into UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bangalore, respectively, as they gear up for the upcoming Women’s Premier League. With seasoned campaigners joining the fray, fans can look forward to an exhilarating showcase of talent and competitive cricketing action in the days ahead.
