Athapaththu breaks into T20I all-rounders top three after Bangladesh sweep
Synopsis
Chamari Athapaththu's commanding all-round display in Sri Lanka's 3-0 Bangladesh sweep has vaulted her into the T20I all-rounders top three, ahead of Deepti Sharma and Ash Gardner. With only Sophie Devine and Hayley Matthews ranked higher, Athapaththu enters the T20 World Cup window as one of international cricket's most dangerous dual-threat players.
Key Takeaways
Chamari Athapaththu climbed to third place in the ICC Women's T20I all-rounders rankings after the 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh .
Athapaththu was named Player of the Series , scoring 115 runs and taking 4 wickets across three innings.
She now ranks ahead of Deepti Sharma (India) and Ash Gardner (Australia) in the all-rounders list.
Multiple Sri Lankan players gained ground: Harshita Samarawickrama (up 5 to joint 20th batting), Imesha Dulani (up 23 to 49th batting), Kavisha Dilhari (up 2 to 17th bowling).
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup begins on 12 June .
Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka's captain, has climbed to third place in the ICC Women's T20I all-rounders rankings following her Player of the Series performance in Sri Lanka's 3-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh. The 31-year-old all-rounder scored 115 runs across three innings while claiming four wickets, showcasing the versatility that will be crucial ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which begins on 12 June.
Athapaththu's ranking climb
Athapaththu's rise of two spots in the all-rounders list now places her ahead of India's Deepti Sharma and Australia's Ash Gardner. Only New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews remain positioned above her in the standings. In the bowling charts, she advanced three places to 41st, reflecting her dual-threat capability in the shortest format.
Sri Lanka's broader gains
The dominant series victory has lifted multiple Sri Lankan players in the rankings. Harshita Samarawickrama climbed five places to joint 20th in T20I batting, while Imesha Dulani made a significant leap of 23 spots to reach 49th. On the bowling side, Kavisha Dilhari advanced two places to 17th, and Malki Madara surged 11 positions to 44th.
Bangladesh's silver lining
Despite the series loss, Bangladesh saw encouraging individual performances reflected in the rankings. Sharmin Akhter Supta improved by 10 places to 37th among T20I batters, while Dilara Akter and Shorna Akter rose to 55th and joint 62nd respectively. Most notably, Sultana Khatun registered one of the session's biggest jumps, climbing 48 places to 38th in the bowling rankings.
Pakistan's ODI momentum
Pakistan extended their positive run in the ODI rankings following a 168-run victory over Zimbabwe in Karachi, taking a 1-0 series lead. Sidra Amin moved up three places to 11th in ODI batting, while Sadaf Shamas gained 12 spots to reach 72nd after scoring 98 at the top of the order. Captain Fatima Sana climbed two places to equal 26th in bowling and also advanced two spots in the all-rounders list to 15th.
What's ahead
With the T20 World Cup less than five weeks away, these ranking movements underscore the form trajectories of key players heading into the tournament. Athapaththu's ascent to the all-rounders top three positions Sri Lanka as a genuine contender in the shortest format.
Point of View
This is validation of their investment in the captain as both a tactical voice and a match-winner. The real test comes in June, when these rankings collide with tournament cricket.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chamari Athapaththu climb in the T20I all-rounders rankings?
Athapaththu was named Player of the Series in Sri Lanka's 3-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh, scoring 115 runs and taking 4 wickets across three innings. Her all-round performance resulted in a two-spot climb to third place in the ICC Women's T20I all-rounders rankings.
Who are the only all-rounders ranked ahead of Athapaththu now?
Only New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews remain ahead of Athapaththu in the all-rounders standings. She has moved past India's Deepti Sharma and Australia's Ash Gardner.
When is the ICC Women's T20 World Cup?
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup begins on 12 June. Athapaththu's improved rankings position her as a key player to watch heading into the tournament.
Did other Sri Lankan players benefit from the Bangladesh series?
Yes, multiple Sri Lankan players gained ground. Harshita Samarawickrama climbed five places to joint 20th in T20I batting, Imesha Dulani rose 23 spots to 49th, Kavisha Dilhari advanced to 17th in bowling, and Malki Madara jumped 11 places to 44th.
