Proteas Women well aware of Sri Lanka’s ‘dangerous’ Athapaththu

THE clear and present danger facing the Proteas’ Women’s team in today’s Tri-Series ODI clash (6.30am start) against Sri Lanka is home team captain Chamari Athapaththu.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS.

The powerful left-handed opener has been a thorn in the Proteas’ side since first coming up against the girls in green way back in 2013.

The intervening years have done nothing to diminish Athapaththu's powers.

In fact, the 35-year-old has only become stronger and more skilful, as she notably illustrated last year when she clubbed 258 runs to help Sri Lanka share a first-ever ODI series with the Proteas.

Athapaththu’s magnificent 195 not out in Potchefstroom not only bettered her Proteas counterpart Laura Wolvaardt’s undefeated 184, but also helped Sri Lanka chase down a record 301 in one of the most memorable Women’s ODIs ever.

Athapaththu has been quiet of late, striking just one half-century in her last six innings, which should be seen as forewarning to the Proteas as she’s due a big score.

And coming up against one pf her favourite opponents — Athapaththu averages 66.28 against the Proteas over the course of her career — the Proteas bowling unit need to be on the mark from the outset at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

Proteas bowling coach Dillon du Preez is acutely aware of the threat Athapaththu poses, but feels his charges have prepared well for the challenge.

“T think we all know how dangerous Athapaththu can be,” Du Preez told Independent Media on Thursday.

“We saw that last year in the series against us at home.

“T think at this stage, I’m not too concerned. Our preparation went really well, and I'm just looking forward to the match.”