Sri Lanka achieved the highest successful chase in women's ODIs against South Africa, thanks to a sensational 195* from their captain Chamari Athapaththu. This is the only successful chase over 300 in women's ODIs. Athapaththu finished with her career-best ODI score and the third-highest individual score by a batter in women's ODIs, helping Sri Lanka level the series 1-1.
In a battle of the captains, Athapaththu's innings outshone Laura Wolvaardt's 184* - the highest score by a South African player and her fourth century since being appointed captain last September. Wolvaardt led South Africa to their fifth-highest ODI total and their highest against Sri Lanka, but unfortunately, it was not enough.
Athapaththu and Nilakshika de Silva rescued Sri Lanka from 126 for 4 in the 21st over with a 179-run fifth-wicket partnership, which is the second-highest stand for the fifth-wicket or lower in the women's game. This partnership helped Sri Lanka gain two points on the Women's Championship table, which determines qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup. With six matches left to play, they have moved up to seventh place and are still in the running for automatic entry to India next year. The top five teams, along with the hosts, will qualify.
Sri Lanka has concluded their most successful visit to South Africa, having won the T20I series 2-1 and tied the ODI series. This marks their first series win over South Africa. Although Athapaththu hinted at international retirement after the T20I win, her form in the third ODI in Potchefstroom suggests that she is not yet ready to retire.
Sri Lanka had never scored 300 in an ODI before, let alone chased such a target. On a flat pitch with a fast outfield, Athapaththu believed they had a chance. She batted cleanly, hitting the ball with brutality straight down the ground and running quickly between the wickets. This was all after opening the bowling and delivering a full quota of ten overs, with a return of 1 for 59.
Athapaththu was the senior partner in her opening stand with 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne and took the fight to South Africa. Ninety runs were scored in 16 overs before Gunaratne was given out lbw to Delmi Tucker, who also took a good catch at backward point to dismiss Prasadani Weerakkody off Nadine de Klerk's bowling. This gave South Africa an opportunity to make inroads into Sri Lanka's middle order.
Wolvaardt reintroduced Ayabonga Khaka, who was playing in her 100th ODI, and she immediately made an impact. Khaka had Hansima Karunaratne caught behind off the first ball of her fourth over, as Karunaratne chased a wide delivery. Two balls later, Khaka had Kavisha Dilhari caught behind down the leg side. Sinalo Jafta took both catches, but unfortunately, she injured her shoulder while taking the second catch and had to leave the field. She thought she had taken a wicket off De Silva's first ball, but umpire Jacqueline Williams was unmoved. In the 21st over, with Sri Lanka at 126 for 4, Karabo Meso, an uncapped 16-year-old, took over behind the stumps. Athapaththu was still at the crease.
The Sri Lankan captain remained unfazed by the mini-collapse and continued to bat. She reached a century off 78 balls in the 26th over and kept Sri Lanka on track as South Africa began to unravel. Their fielding was sloppy, with numerous overthrows, and Athapaththu was dropped on 128 by Sune Luus in deep mid-wicket off Nonkululeko Mlaba in the 32nd over. At that point, Sri Lanka still required 106 runs from 18.3 overs.
Athapaththu took advantage of her let-off and breezed through the chase with Silva's strong support. South Africa lost their way, sending down 19 wides and two no-balls, allowing Sri Lanka to cash in. Athapaththu and de Silva combined boundary hitting with exceptional strike rotation, reaching the target with 33 balls to spare and sharing the trophy.