SL W vs NZ W | Twitter impressed as Athapaththu plays guardian angel to rescue Vishmi Gunaratne with timely review

Venkateswaran N

ByVenkateswaran N,SportsCafe Editor

31

The role of a non-striker is often overlooked while batters decide on DRS, and Chamari Athapaththu stood out with her timely advice in the Women’s World Cup against New Zealand. The Sri Lankan skipper insisted Vishmi Gunaratne to take a review, which extended the batter’s stay at the crease.

Chamari Athapaththu

‌After opting to bat at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lankan openers had a steady start against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu was moving at run-a-ball while her partner Vishmi Gunaratne struggled to get going as the hosts sat at 52/0 after the first 10 overs.

With New Zealand desperately searching for a wicket, captain Sophie Devine threw the ball to Amelia Kerr, who struck in her second over. The leg spinner outfoxed Gunaratne with a googly as the ball went on to hit the pads right in front of the wicket.

The umpire had no hesitation in raising her finger as the young opener also looked in some doubt. She almost started her long walk back before Athapaththu insisted her to take the review. Gunaratne was confused but signalled for a review, without much hope, as the timer started dying out.

But replays showed a faint edge as the ball passed the bat, with the TV umpire asking her on-field colleague to overturn the original decision. Gunaratne could not believe her eyes as Athapaththu was pumped up and punched her partner on her shoulders.

Twitter was impressed with Athapaththu’s decisiveness and timely intervention, which allowed the young batter to continue her innings.

Captain was pumped

All the action

Nice

Great start

Going good

NZ Strike

Good one

Big game

Interesting

Solid

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