Chamari Athapaththu signs as Sydney Thunder’s replacement overseas player

Chamari Athapaththu signs as Sydney Thunder’s replacement overseas player, completing the squad ahead of the club’s start at North Sydney Oval on October 22. The number one Sri Lankan batting all-rounder is the country’s top performer in T20 cricket. Scoring most of her international runs away from home in Australia, the star is excited to get on the ground with her new side:

“I’m so excited to be joining the Thunder Nation. It’s an amazing club and to have our home games across Cricket Central and North Sydney Oval is really special. “Australia is where I’ve scored most of my international T20 runs away from home, including a century at NSO.

“I appreciate all of the support so far and look forward to being in front of the fans, I plan to bring a Thunder-storm to the WBBL this summer.”

Athapaththu first joined the WBBL in 2017 with Melbourne Renegades before switching allegiance in 2021 to Perth Scorchers.

She now joins Thunder sitting 7th and 8th in the ICC World Rankings batting and all-rounder categories respectively, the highest of any other Sri Lankan international. Athapaththu, who has been a part of her national side since 2009, is known for her incredibly aggressive batting style. She adds further depth to Thunder’s line up as well as a wealth of knowledge from her 14 years on the international stage.

WBBL teams are able to sign a number of additional overseas players, with three allowed to be part of any match-day Xl. England captain Heather Knight has been confirmed as Thunder’s captain for the summer, while superstar South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and rising England fast bowler Lauren Bell round out Thunder overseas quartet.

Thunder start their campaign at North Sydney Oval against rivals Sixers on October 22